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Red eye disease spreads to Nairobi, Kisii
Four cases of red eye disease have been reported in Nairobi and Kisii, this being outside the coastal region where the first case was reported an indication that the disease is fast spreading in the country.
Already, data from Mombasa health facilities shows that 80 patients are admitted at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, 36 at Portreitz, 33 in Likoni and over 200 cases from public hospitals including those that have not been documented.
County data from public facilities shows over 1,000 people have so far contracted the disease in Mombasa alone since Wednesday last week. The data are from patients who have presented themselves to public facilities with the majority being school-going children.
The county has directed parents with school-going children to keep their children at home, should they exhibit any symptoms of the disease, to avoid the spread terming the disease too contagious. Also, a circular has been issued to churches, schools, and markets to ensure they observe health measures.
Dr Patrick Amoth, the acting director general at the health ministry has asked Kenyans to be more vigilant.
But what is the red eye disease?
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that can result from many causes including viruses, bacteria, allergens, contact lens use, chemicals, fungi, and certain diseases.
What causes the disease?
The CDC observes that viruses that cause conjunctivitis include Adenoviruses (the most common), Rubella virus, Rubeola (measles) virus, Herpes viruses which include, Herpes simplex virus, Varicella-zoster virus (which also causes chickenpox and shingles) and Epstein-Barr virus, which also causes infectious mononucleosis (mono) as well as Picornaviruses, such as coxsackievirus A24 and enterovirus 70 (which has caused outbreaks in other countries).
How does it spread?
Dr Amoth Agrees with the CDC and explains that the disease is most likely due to Adenovirus, (epidemic serotype), which spreads very fast but rarely does it cause long-term complications to the eyes.
“It is usually self-limiting and therefore needs not to cause any alarm,” he notes while adding that the disease is spread by touching the eyes of infected persons or contaminated surfaces then touching your eyes.
The CDC adds that having contact with infectious tears, eye discharge, faecal matter, or respiratory discharges can contaminate hands.
“Viral conjunctivitis can also spread by large respiratory tract droplets. As viral conjunctivitis can be highly contagious, infected individuals should be counseled to prevent transmission including washing hands frequently, using separate towels, and avoiding close contact with others during the period of contagion,” the CDC says further pointing out that most cases in adults are self-limited and do not require antimicrobial treatment.
“Antiviral medication may be used to treat more serious forms of conjunctivitis, such as conjunctivitis caused by herpes simplex virus or varicella-zoster virus.”
Other symptoms
The CDC further adds that depending on the cause of viral conjunctivitis, some patients may have additional symptoms including common cold, flu, or other respiratory infections as well as a fever and sore throat.
Conjunctivitis can occur with these viral rash illnesses which are usually accompanied by rash, fever, and cough.
Dr Amoth urges those with severe symptoms which include redness, discharge, swelling and bleeding to seek medical attention urgently.
“To avoid infection, do not share towels with family members who are affected, disinfect high touch surfaces especially if a family member is infected.”
He urges those infected to take time off work or school to reduce the spread.
“For mild symptoms, apply a cold compress over the eyes with a wet face towel.”
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