The Shire of Murray has warned patrons who used the swimming pools at the Murray Aquatic and Leisure Centre over the last week that they may have been exposed to chickenpox.
Chief executive Dean Unsworth said the Shire has already been informed of two confirmed cases of chickenpox in children.
“On Friday, January 18 and Monday, January 21, the Murray Aquatic and Leisure Centre received notification of two unrelated chickenpox cases affecting children who had been attending VacSwim lessons at the centre,” he said.
“Parents of children having attended VacSwim lessons in the week of January 14-18 should monitor their children for symptoms, which may occur one to three weeks post exposure.”
The Mandurah Mail was alerted to the issue by a concerned member of the public.
“During VacSwim, a child was diagnosed with chickenpox,” they said.
“The child obviously came in contact with other children.
“Management have stuck their head in the sand – under duty of care they should be advising patrons.”
But Mr Unsworth said the Shire had taken the necessary precautions to warn the public of the incident.
“Both children were withdrawn from January’s VacSwim program,” he said.
“VacSwim staff have posted a sign at the VacSwim area to alert parents of potential exposure.
“A sign has also been posted at the centre’s reception.”
The Department of Health warns that symptoms of chickenpox can take up to three weeks to show after exposure to an infected person.
Additionally, the infection period often begins before physical symptoms show.
The highly contagious ailment usually starts with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose and mild fever, followed by a red spotty rash that appears all over the body.
The virus lasts seven to 10 days.
Mr Unsworth said parents who suspect their child may have contracted the virus, should seek medical attention if necessary.
“Avoid public places and exposure to pregnant women,” he said.
For more information about chickenpox and how to treat it, visit the Department of Health website.
