PUNE: Pediatricians across the city have reported an increase in chickenpox cases over the past month, with doctors also seeing older children and family members with the infection. Although most cases remain mild, experts said the increase was significant compared to the same period last year. Dr Shirish Kankarya, head of pediatrics at Apollo Hospital in Swargate, said he had seen around 15 chickenpox patients in January alone and the number of infections has clearly increased this season. “We are seeing an increase in chickenpox cases. We are also seeing infections in older children and adult family members who have never had chickenpox before,” he said. Doctors said that contracting chickenpox later in life increases the risk of complications. “If you get chickenpox at an older age, you are more likely to develop complications such as encephalitis than if you were infected in early childhood,” Dr. Kankariya said, stressing the need to promote vaccination and raise awareness that two shots are required for chickenpox. Dr Prateek Kataria, consultant pediatrician and neonatologist at Sahyadri Hospital, said the number of chickenpox cases confirmed in the outpatient department (OPD) has increased this year. “Even among children who have received both vaccines, we are seeing more children with OPD chickenpox. This is expected, as vaccines do not guarantee 100% protection, but symptoms in vaccinated children are usually mild and do not require hospitalization,” he said. The doctor added that in previous years, many children who came to the clinic complaining of rashes ended up being diagnosed with hand, foot and mouth disease. “There are more cases of real chickenpox this year compared to last year,” he said. Dr Rajesh Kulkarni, a pediatrician at PCMC’s PGI-YCM Hospital, also acknowledged, “The number of chickenpox cases has increased compared to the same period last year. Viral infections like measles and chickenpox usually see a spike every three to five years. What happens is that once a large number of children are infected, they develop lifelong immunity and the spread slows down for a few years.” Over time, new children without immunity are added to the population, forming a pool of susceptible people and leading to further surges. We’re seeing that pattern again this year. Last month alone, we experienced around 10 cases, compared to less than 2-3 during the same period last year. ” Child with severe varicella encephalitis rescued at PCMC Hospital Amid the recent increase in chickenpox cases, PCMC’s PGI-YCM Hospital announced that its pediatric ICU recently successfully treated and discharged a 7-year-old child with severe varicella encephalitis and multiple organ failure. The child was presented in critical condition with high fever, seizures, and rash, requiring immediate advanced life support. “Early diagnosis and aggressive management played a crucial role in saving this child’s life,” said Dr. Rajesh Kulkarni. During treatment, the child developed kidney damage, liver failure, and cardiac complications, forcing doctors to use IVIG, high-dose steroids, and intensive organ support until the child was discharged from the hospital in stable condition. Hospital officials said the case was handled by a PICU team led by Dr. Kulkarni, Dr. Deepali Ambake, Dr. Seema Soni, Dr. Vinay Patil and Dr. Palash Sangay, as well as resident doctors and nursing staff. Due to the rapid increase in chickenpox cases, attention is focused on the risk of shingles in adults As chickenpox cases increase, doctors say vaccination is important because the same virus can later reactivate as shingles in adults. Dr Piyush Chaudhary, an infectious disease specialist at Jehangir Hospital, said he had seen several recent cases, including chickenpox-associated encephalitis in adults with comorbidities. “The shingles vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 50 and those with weakened immune systems, but uptake remains at only 1-3%, mainly due to lack of awareness. The incidence increases sharply after the age of 50. Shingles can cause severe complications and debilitating nerve pain, so vaccination is always recommended,” he warned.