'Selfish': Parents host secret Chickenpox Party at play centre

"I thought people would have common sense. If your child is sick, don’t bring them to a place like this." 

A soft play centre owner has slammed "selfish" parents who deliberately hosted a chickenpox party at her venue. 

Jane Coulson, the owner of an indoor activity centre in England, was shocked and outraged when she learned about the gathering's secret intentions.

A concerned mother tipped her off, revealing that a group of parents had intentionally brought their children to the centre to spread chickenpox, believing it was best to expose their kids early and "get it over with."

Chickenpox is "a very contagious disease that’s caused by varicella zoster virus. It can spread when you touch or breathe in droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze or when you touch their chickenpox rash."

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"If you want a chickenpox party, have it in your own home”

However, the plan has been widely condemned as irresponsible and dangerous. 

Speaking to the BBC, Jane expressed her frustration at the reckless behaviour which jeopardised the health of not only children but also staff and other families.  

"Someone deliberately bringing in something like chickenpox is very selfish,” she said.   

"If you want a chickenpox party, have it in your own home.” 

Jane's biggest concern is that the play centre is a place where children with weaker immune systems often come to play. For some, exposure to chickenpox could result in severe complications.

"I thought people would have common sense. If your child is sick, don’t bring them to a place like this," she added. 

Play centre owner, Jane Coulson. Image: BBC/ iStock

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Deliberate exposure to chickenpox is not worth the risk

Medical professionals and health organisations have long warned against intentionally exposing children to chickenpox.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly advises against chickenpox parties, stating that the risks far outweigh any perceived benefits.

“Chickenpox can be serious and can lead to severe complications and death, even in healthy children. There is no way to tell in advance how severe your child's symptoms will be. So, it is not worth taking the chance of exposing your child to someone with the disease,” their official website states.

"The best way to protect a child from the disease is to get them vaccinated against it."

The Australian Department of Health website lists the ages when the chickenpox vaccine is recommended for individuals (with factors depending on immunity issues and exposure).

The Raising Children Australia website advises that individuals with chickenpox should stay away from newborn babies, pregnant people, and anyone with weakened immune systems, as they are most vulnerable to severe illness.

For more information on chickenpox in Australia, speak to a health professional.

Originally published as 'Selfish': Parents host secret Chickenpox Party at play centre