Panic grips residents as the contagious pink eye outbreak continues to spread relentlessly since last month.
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an infection of the outer and inner membrane of the eyeball and is highly contagious.
Reportedly having started in Ethekwini last month, it swiftly spread to other regions within the province.
Though it induces discomfort and pain, healthcare experts reassure that it poses no threat to vision loss, but might cause temporary blurred vision.
Pink eye can be caused by allergies, bacterial or viral infections and is characterised by swollen and irritated blood vessels in the conjunctiva, making the whites of the eyes appear reddish or pink.
KwaZulu-Natal health MEC Nomagugu Simelane advises basic hygienic practices such as washing hands with soap and water or sanitiser, using a clean towel and washcloth daily, changing pillowcases often, and throwing away old eye cosmetics that can help contain the spread of pink eye.
Schools should allow infected children to remain in school if therapy is implemented, except when viral or bacterial conjunctivitis is accompanied by systemic signs of illness.
Infected pupils should refrain from attending school if they are unable to avoid close contact with other pupils.
“We urge those who have its symptoms not to sit at home, but to visit their nearest clinic. During the era of Covid-19, we developed several habits that promoted good hygiene, such as regular hand washing with soap and water or sanitiser.
“Those are some of the things we need to re-orient ourselves with,” said Simelane.
Doctor Shalin Moodley from the Tongaat Medical Centre, said pink eye can spread through direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, usually through hand to eye contact, bacteria that colonises in the nose or sinuses and also via poorly fitting contact lenses, or not cleaning contact lenses properly.
“Conjunctivitis is very contiguous and spreads at schools, public gatherings and other crowded places. It must also be stressed that bacteria can live in makeup, so don’t use eye makeup when your eyes are infected and never share makeup,” said Dr Moodley.
It can also be caused by a bacterial infection, an allergic reaction or – in babies – an incompletely opened tear duct.
Treatment can help ease the discomfort of pink eye and getting an early diagnosis and taking certain precautions can help limit its spread.
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