Malawi: Rise in Pink Eye Infections

By Joseph Dumbula

Authorities have confirmed the outbreak of pink eye disease in Karonga district, the second utmost district that neighbors Malawi with Tanzania in the northern region. 

Pink eye, also known as viral conjunctivitis, is a disease which affects the eyes and is caused by a virus that can easily spread from person to person.

Signs and symptoms of the disease include pink or red colour in the white part of the eye, swelling of the conjunctiva (eye lining), increased tear production, itching, eye discharge, painful eye and visual disturbance.

A circulated communication released by Director of Health Services in Karonga, Dr David Sibale, 109 cases have been registered across the district since the start of the month.

Dr. Sibale said the disease was first detected among travelers who use Songwe Border Post which links Malawi to Tanzania.

“Later, the disease was also detected among government officials who work at Songwe Border Post and, currently, we have intensified awareness of the outbreak to prevent its spread. We are urging people to sharing personal clothes such as wash clothes and hand towels, wash hands frequently with soap and use sanitizers as well as avoid rubbing or touching eyes with unclean hands,” Sibale said.

The Southern African nation has been grappling with viral infections like cholera and Covid19, a situation various experts have told Pan African Visions borders on lack on knowledge and challenges with access to health services.