Dr Ovo Samiel, a medical officer at the General Hospital Ughelli, Delta, says women who are exposed to chicken pox during pregnancy may bear children with defects.

Samiel, who made this disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Benin, said chicken pox infection could stay in the body from 7 to 21 days before producing rashes.

He said the disease was characterised by itchy, red blister that appeared all over the body and oftentimes could affect the children.

Samiel added that the virus could be spread through saliva, coughing, sneezing and contact with fluid from the blisters it produced.

“Pregnant women, who have this virus may give birth to blind children, having small head size, poor growth and intellectual disabilities,’’ he said.

He, however, advised pregnant women to always protect themselves, especially the unborn, by avoiding sharing cups of water and spoons.

Ovo said some of the symptoms of the disease include: fever, loss of appetite and headache.

The physician said the disease could be treated by bathing with lukewarm water; applying unscented lotion and wearing light weight or soft clothing. (NAN)