Kenya Declares Conjunctivitis Outbreak

By Samuel Ouma

The government of Kenya has announced the outbreak of conjunctivitis disease, popularly known as red eyes disease, in Mombasa County, coastal part of the country.

In a statement, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni said the cases are very contagious and present with red eyes (conjunctivitis), eye swelling, eye discharge and itchiness.

PS Muthoni stated that they have yet to determine the exact cause of the disease. Still, they are conducting laboratory tests to determine what is causing it.

She has pleaded with the public members to maintain a high level of hygiene to curb the spread of the disease.

"The general public is therefore advised to undertake the following preventive measures: enhance handwashing with soap and safe, clean running water, use hand sanitisers frequently and Maintain a high standard of hygiene and sanitation," read the statement in part.

"Visit also health facilities for treatment as soon as symptoms appear and, if possible, self-isolate at home when you develop symptoms."

Conjunctivitis is an eye inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses, other infections, and chemicals.

Poor hygiene, contact lens misuse, contaminated personal items, crowded living or social conditions, a history of eye disease, foreign bodies, chronic topical medication use, and extreme weather conditions are all risk factors for conjunctivitis.

According to health professionals, bacterial conjunctivitis is most common during the cold season, while viral conjunctivitis is more common during the dry season.