NEW DELHI: The Capital has recorded over 2,000 cases of chickenpox so far this year, which according to a senior Municipal Corporation of Delhi official is high for this time of the year. "Over 600 patients have been treated at MCD's outdoor facilities. We do get a lot of chickenpox cases between January and April, but this year the numbers have been on the higher side. While about 1,500 cases have been reported from Delhi, some 800 patients have arrived from the neighbouring States. We are getting more cases,' said a senior MCD official. Chickenpox is a viral disease and affects almost everyone at some time in their life. It is believed to be a mild disease, but is associated with dangerous complications, especially in teenagers, persons with reduced immunity, and pregnant women. The disease starts with fever and the typical rash appears after a day or two. The rash starts with red spots which become fluid filled blisters before bursting or subsiding. Children often lose their appetites and may complain of headache and sore throat. Itching is a common feature and is often severe. After a few days, the blisters will show crust formation which dry and fall off.