Chickenpox Warning: University In Michigan Put On Alert After 'Cluster' Of Cases Detected

Students of a university in Michigan have been asked to be on alert after a "cluster" of chickenpox cases were reported on the campus.

The students at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) were notified of the illnesses on Monday, reported MLive. Cases were reportedly identified at the university's campus in Allendale Township, as well as the Pew Campus in downtown Grand Rapids.

Students who fell ill are already receiving care, while the others with whom they attended classes have been informed of the potential exposure. They were told to check whether they were vaccinated for chickenpox.

"Many people are immune to chickenpox because they have either had the disease or have had two doses of the chickenpox (varicella) vaccine," the university said in an email to WoodTV. "Students who are unsure if they have had the vaccine are urged to contact their families or their health care provider to find out. People who have not been vaccinated should contact their health care provider, the Campus Health Center or the GVSU Family Health Center to schedule a vaccine."

Chickenpox is considered to be highly contagious, potentially infecting "up to 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune," according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is characterized by blister-like rashes that first appear on the back chest and face, before spreading to other parts of the body.

"Chickenpox can also be serious, even life-threatening, especially in babies, adolescents, adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems," the agency noted.

Once very common in the U.S., chickenpox used to infect a whopping four million people in the country each year before the vaccines became available, resulting in about 10,500 hospitalizations and 100 to 150 deaths.

But with the advent of the vaccine, chickenpox has become quite rare in the U.S. The numbers have now dropped to less than 150,000 cases and 30 deaths each year.

"The best way to prevent chickenpox" is to get vaccinated against it, according to the CDC. Two doses of the vaccine are over 90% effective in preventing the disease.

"When you get vaccinated, you protect yourself and others in your family and community," the agency said. "This is especially important to help protect people who cannot get vaccinated, such as those with a weakened immune system (body's lowered ability to fight germs and sickness) or during pregnancy."