Epidemiological Trends of Chickenpox Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic in Uvurkhangai Province, 2017–2024
- VernacularTitle:Өвөрхангай аймагт 2017-2024 онд бүртгэгдсэн салхин цэцэг өвчний тохиолдлыг коронавируст халдварын цар тахлын (КОВИД-19) болон өмнөх, дараах үетэй харьцуулан судласан нь
- Author:
Lkhagvadulam E
1
;
Ariungerel D
2
;
Azjargal B
2
Author Information
1. Center for Zoonotic Disease of Uvurkhangai Province
2. National Center for Communicable Disease
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Chickenpox;
Varicella;
OVID-19 pandemic;
incidence;
epidemiology
- From:Mongolian Medical Sciences
2025;214(4):3-11
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Background:Chickenpox (varicella) is an acute viral respiratory infection transmitted from person to person
through airborne droplets. It is characterized by a typical vesicular rash affecting the skin and
mucous membranes. Varicella is highly contagious, with secondary attack rates ranging from
61% to 100% among susceptible household contacts.
Goal:This study aimed to compare the incidence and epidemiological characteristics of chickenpox
in Uvurkhangai province before, during, and after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
pandemic, as the incidence has exceeded the national average in recent years.
Material and Method:A total of 1,804 chickenpox cases registered in Uvurkhangai province between 2017 and
2024 were obtained from the H-Info surveillance database. The study period was categorized
into three phases: pre-pandemic (2017–2019), pandemic (2020–2022), and post-pandemic
(2023–2024). Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, ArcGIS, and RStudio to compare
temporal, demographic, and geographic patterns.
Result:The incidence of chickenpox in Uvurkhangai province decreased 2.7-fold during the pandemic
compared with the pre-pandemic period and increased 1.8-fold in the post-pandemic period.
Before the pandemic, the highest proportion of cases occurred among kindergarten-aged children (2–4 years). During and after the pandemic, school-aged children (5–9 years)
accounted for the largest proportion of cases. Across all study periods, the highest numbers
of cases were reported in the densely populated soums of Arvaikheer and Kharkhorin.
Significant changes in age distribution and socioeconomic characteristics were observed
compared with the pre-pandemic period (p < 0.001). Chickenpox cases were most frequently
reported during the winter and spring seasons.
Conclusions:Chickenpox cases are most common among school- and kindergarten-aged children in the
densely populated soums of Arvaikheer and Kharkhorin, particularly during the winter and
spring seasons. Strengthening surveillance and implementing targeted preventive measures
in schools and kindergartens are essential to reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
- Full text:2026070407371296730MAUS-2025-214(4)-3-11.pdf
