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Health Ministry notes increased cases of ‘red eye’
-public urged to practice good hygiene to reduce spread
An increase of conjunctivitis has been recorded at a number of health facilities across the
An infected eye
country.
Conjunctivitis, also known as ‘pinkeye’ or ‘red eye’ has been described by Deputy Chief Medical Officer [DCMO], Dr. Karen Boyle, as a seasonal viral infection. She acknowledged that reports of an increase of the condition are factual, but did not embrace the notion that it has reached epidemic proportions.
There have been reports that several hospitals have been hard-pressed to treat the condition. Following checks at a number of health facilities in both the capital city and Region Three, this publication was informed that no treatment was offered to a number of patients inflicted with the condition. They were however reportedly urged to check at privately-operated pharmacies where they could purchase treatment. Checks at several pharmacies were also met with claims that treatment was not available.
When this state of affairs was put to the DCMO, she disclosed it was not at all inconceivable that this has occurred. She however informed that while she was not in possession of all of the facts, it is possible that while there may be a shortage of treatment at some locations, it is likely that there are others that have ample supplies.
A number of individuals in recent weeks have been diagnosed with conjunctivitis, which is known to affect both adults and children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], the most common causes of conjunctivitis are: viruses, bacteria and allergens. It can also be caused by: chemicals, contact lens wear [especially wearing lenses overnight], foreign bodies in the eye [like a loose eyelash], indoor and outdoor air pollution caused, for example, by chemical vapours, fumes, smoke, or dust and fungi. However, it can be difficult to determine the exact cause of conjunctivitis because some symptoms may be the same no matter the cause.
But according to the CDC, viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious. Each of these types of germs, it has been noted, can spread from person to person in different ways. They are usually spread from an infected person to others through: close personal contact [such as touching or shaking hands], the air by coughing and sneezing and by touching an object or surface with germs on it, then touching your eyes before washing your hands.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis include: pink or red colour in the white of the eye[s], swelling of the conjunctiva [the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid] and/or eyelids, increased tear production, feeling like a foreign body is in the eye[s] or an urge to rub the eye[s], itching, irritation, and/or burning, discharge [pus or mucus], crusting of eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning, contact lenses that do not stay in place on the eye and/or feel uncomfortable and depending on the cause, other symptoms may occur.
While treatment is often seen as imperative, CDC has noted that treatment sometimes depends on the cause. Moreover, it is recommended that “To help relieve some of the inflammation and dryness caused by conjunctivitis, you can use cold compresses and artificial tears, which you can purchase over the counter without a prescription. You should also stop wearing contact lenses until your eye doctor says it’s okay to start wearing them again.”
Meanwhile, prevention of the virus that causes conjunctivitis is also important. This can be as simple as practicing good hygiene.
Among the recommendations offered by CDC are: wash your hands often with soap and warm water and wash them especially well before and after cleaning, or applying eye drops or ointment to, your infected eye. If soap and water are not available, persons can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
In order to limit the spread of the virus, which can last for as much as one to two weeks, it is advisable to avoid contact with others, wherever possible, since the virus is easily transmittable.
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