An outbreak of chickenpox was reported at an IPAS centre in Drogheda over the past week
It is understood that a number of international protection applicants staying in the accommodation got the virus and paramedics were called to deal with the outbreak.
The HSE refused to comment for ethical reasons in case they identified any patients affected.
However it did warn families to be careful and that the virus can be a danger to pregnant women, newly born babies and people who are immunocompromised.
The HSE said the illness in the vast majority of cases is caused by a virus and most people do not require any treatment except to relieve symptoms of fever and itching.
It stated:” Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by varicella-zoster virus. It is an acute very infectious disease, most commonly seen in children under 10 years.
” Chickenpox is usually a mild self limiting illness and the majority of healthy children recover with no complications. Very occasionally the infection can be more severe.
” More serious cases of chickenpox requiring hospitalisation are notifiable to HPSC under infectious disease reporting regulations.
” Adults tend to suffer more severe diseases than children. Chickenpox levels vary during the year with the highest number of cases generally occurring between January and April when outbreaks of the disease are more common.”
It also revealed that other medical complications caused by Chickenpox include skin infections, pneumonia , and meningitis but these are rare.
It takes on average five to seven days for the chickenpox rash to disappear.
Anyone who gets it is advised to stay away from schools and work and avoid all contact with pregnant women, new babies and the medically vulnerable.
An outbreak at another IPAS centre in the town occurred a few years ago with a handful people taken to hospital.
