THE NUMBER of acute conjunctivitis (pink eye) cases, in both children and adults, has increased significantly in several parishes across all four health regions over the last three weeks, the Ministry of Health said yesterday.
Investigations have so far revealed cases of acute viral conjunctivitis, a viral infection of the eye that is very contagious and usually spreads rapidly in schools, workplaces and nurseries.
Persons with acute viral conjunctivitis most often display symptoms of redness of the eyes, watery discharge, a feeling of gravel in the eyes and swelling of the eyelids. Some persons may also experience photophobia or sensitivity or intolerance to light. Both eyes may be affected simultaneously, or the second eye may be affected a few days after the first.
AVOID CONTACT
Once the symptoms are detected, the Ministry said that the individual should visit a doctor as soon as possible. The infection is contagious for at least seven days, therefore direct person to person contact should be avoided within this period. Infected persons should not attend crowded places such as nurseries, schools, pools or the workplace.
Hand to eye contact should also be minimised and hands should be washed immediately after touching the eyes, the Ministry said. Persons are being encouraged to use only the prescribed medication and to desist from practices such as washing the eyes with urine and sharing eye drops, towels and pillows.
Outbreaks at summer schools, nurseries, summer camps and other places with large numbers should be reported to the parish health department.
The Ministry has taken steps to heighten surveillance education at clinics and other settings. Reminders are also being sent to physicians on the management of the condition.
