4 Northeastern students self isolate after being diagnosed with chicken pox

Four graduate students are currently being treated for chickenpox and self isolating off-campus, according to a message from the Northeastern University Health and Counseling Services.

The Boston Public Health Commission has told the public that anyone who hasn’t been fully vaccinated for chickenpox or has never contracted the disease, must be isolated if presented with potential exposure. This isolation period begins eight days after exposure and should continue for 21 days.  

Massachusetts Department of Public Health spokesperson Katheleen Conti emphasized the importance of maintaining this outbreak being even more crucial. According to the CDC, chickenpox can be especially threatening to young adolescents, those who are pregnant, and those with weakened immune systems. The CDC also emphasized that chickenpox can oftentimes be more serious in adults than in children. 

As many wonder if they’re protected from this disease, the CDC states that anyone who has contracted the disease before or has received two doses of the varicella vaccine is unlikely to contract chicken pox. The United States was the first country to add the chickenpox vaccine as a regular childhood vaccine in 1995 and cases have declined more than 97% since, according to the CDC.

Northeastern administrators said they are following necessary protocols and will continue to inform the local community. Students who begin developing symptoms such as “a rash on your face, stomach, chest, or back, with fever, tiredness, or general discomfort,” are told to contact a healthcare provider before beginning self isolation.

For now, how the Northeastern students contracted chickenpox and where off campus they’re living remains private.