Pink eye infection concerns in Ugu

The KZN Department of Health has reported four cases of pink eye infection in the Ugu District.

Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane confirmed, last Sunday, that KZN had 1 044 cases of pink eye, saying that at least 1 040 were from eThekwini, and four from Ugu.

Simelane urged communities to avoid pink eye infection by practising good personal hygiene, such as regular hand washing, and avoiding the sharing of face cloths, eye cosmetics or pillows.

If you have any symptoms of pink eye, said Simelane, consult a doctor or visit your nearest clinic as soon as possible.

“As we have confirmed cases of pink eye in Ugu and eThekwini, we urge those with symptoms not to sit at home, but to visit their nearest clinic. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we had developed several habits that promoted good hygiene, such as regular hand washing with soap and water or sanitiser. These are some of the things we need to re-orient ourselves with,” she said.

Simelane added that pink eye is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball, saying that this membrane is called the conjunctiva.

She said when small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated, they are more visible.

“Pink eye is often caused by a viral infection, also known as viral conjunctivitis which is highly contagious. It can also be caused by a bacterial infection, an allergic reaction, a blocked tear duct in babies, a chemical splash in the eye, a foreign object in the eye, contact lens use, fungi and certain diseases,” she said.

To prevent pink eye: don’t touch your eyes with your hands; wash your hands often, use a clean towel and washcloth daily, don’t share towels or washcloths, change your pillowcases often, throw away old eye cosmetics such as mascara, and don’t share eye cosmetics or personal eye care items.

Infected learners should not attend school.

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