health
Alert over the increase in chickenpox cases in Colombia: nearly 6,000 reports in 2026
Chickenpox is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It causes itchy rashes and small fluid-filled blisters. It spreads easily in people who have not had the disease before or who have not been vaccinated.
TL;DR
- Colombia has registered a 15% increase in chickenpox cases in 2026, reaching 5,709 cases by epidemiological week 12.
- Regions like Norte de Santander and Santander have seen over a 100% increase in cases.
- Experts attribute the rise to a susceptible population post-pandemic, incomplete vaccinations, and increased social contact, especially in school settings.
- Holiday travel, like during Semana Santa, can temporarily accelerate transmission, leading to localized outbreaks.
- Chickenpox is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets and direct contact with blisters.
- Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and a characteristic rash that progresses from red spots to blisters and scabs.
- Medical consultation is advised for persistent high fever, breathing difficulties, excessive drowsiness, vomiting, or infected lesions.
- Vaccination is recommended at one year of age, with a second dose at five years.