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Varicella (Chickenpox) in Florida
Florida Health
Disease Control- DiseaseControl@flhealth.gov
- 850-245-4444
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Florida Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
October Key Points
outbreak
highest incidence
up-to-date or
unknown vaccinations status
The number of varicella cases reported in October 2023 increased from the previous month and was above the previous 5-year average. Due to robust vaccination programs, there is no longer discernable seasonality for varicella cases in the United States.

In October 2023, 63 varicella cases were reported in 26 counties, outlined in black in the map. From August 2023 through October 2023 the average county rates varied throughout the state.

In 2023, 535 varicella cases were reported. The annual number of reported varicella cases increased from 2018 to 2019 and decreased significantly in 2020 and 2021.

In October, the varicella rate was highest among <1 year olds at 2.96 cases per 100,000 population. Infants <1 year old are too young to receive varicella vaccination, which is why vaccination of siblings, parents, grandparents and other age groups is important in infection prevention among infants.
In October, 5 cases were household-associated and 0 cases were outbreak-associated. For most varicella cases, exposure to other known cases is not identified. In Florida, transmission setting is not routinely identified for non-outbreak cases, resulting in 62% of cases reporting unknown setting in October.
People with shingles infection can transmit the virus that causes varicella to people without immunity. In October, 6 cases reported having contact with someone diagnosed with shingles during their exposure period.

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