Pato Branco issues health alert following varicella outbreak

The Municipal Health Secretariat of Pato Branco has issued an alert following a varicella (chickenpox) outbreak in the municipality, with seven confirmed cases recorded in 2026. This follows a period in 2025 where four outbreaks resulted in 14 infections, including occurrences in daycare centers and a hospital setting.

Health authorities are urging parents and guardians to review children's vaccination records and ensure all doses are up to date. According to the National Vaccination Calendar, the routine schedule requires two doses: the first at 15 months via the tetraviral vaccine, and the second at four years of age. Routine public vaccination is available for children up to six years, 11 months, and 29 days.

The vaccine is available at all active vaccination units in Pato Branco. Neighborhood health units operate Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 11:30 and 13:00 to 16:30, while the Central Vaccine Room provides service from 7:30 to 17:30 without an afternoon break.