Unusually high number of children contracting chickenpox: 22 per 100,000 aged 5–14

Dutch doctors are reporting an unusually high number of chickenpox cases among children this winter, according to data from the health institute Nivel.

Children aged 5 to 14 are particularly affected, with 22 cases per 100,000 children reported in this age group. Normally, general practitioners see these numbers only during the summer. In recent winters, the number of cases typically remained below 10 per 100,000 children.

Nivel data shows that a sudden increase in cases was already noticeable in mid-December. Numbers dipped during the Christmas week, when many GP practices were partially closed, but have now risen again.

The cause of this winter increase is unclear. A Nivel spokesperson said, “We do not conduct research into the causes of these increases.”

Chickenpox is a viral infection that is usually mild in children, causing primarily itchy bumps. However, complications can occur, particularly in adults, who face a higher risk of serious health problems such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and bacterial Dutch doctors are reporting an unusually high number of chickenpox cases among children this winter, according to data from the health institute Nivel.

Children aged 5 to 14 are particularly affected, with 22 cases per 100,000 children reported in this age group. Normally, general practitioners see these numbers only during the summer. In recent winters, the number of cases typically remained below 10 per 100,000 children.

Nivel data shows that a sudden increase in cases was already noticeable in mid-December. Numbers dipped during the Christmas week, when many GP practices were partially closed, but have now risen again.

The cause of this winter increase is unclear. A Nivel spokesperson said, “We do not conduct research into the causes of these increases.”

Chickenpox is a viral infection that is usually mild in children, causing primarily itchy bumps. However, complications can occur, particularly in adults, who face a higher risk of serious health problems such as pneumonia, encephalitis (brain inflammation), and bacterial skin infections.