eThekwini residents warned about pink eye outbreak

AT LEAST 161 cases of pink eye have been confirmed in various parts of eThekwini District since February 26. Clairwood Hospital has 55 confirmed cases followed by KZN Children’s Hospital with 50 cases.

Also read: Conjunctivitis: Does my child have pinkeye?

The KZN Department of Health urges members of the public to avoid pink eye infections by practising good personal hygiene, such as regular hand-washing and avoiding the sharing of face cloths, eye cosmetics or pillows.

According to the department, other public hospitals have reported cases. Cato Manor Community Health Centre has 39, McCord Hospital 15 and Halley Stott Clinic has two confirmed cases.

KZN MEC for Health Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu said a few basic hygienic practices can help contain the spread of pink eye.

“Now that we have confirmed cases of pink eye in eThekwini District, we are urging those who have its symptoms not to sit at home but to visit their nearest clinic. During the era of Covid-19, we developed a number of habits that promote 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-Zulu.

Some facts about pink eye:

• Pink eye is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball. This membrane is called the conjunctiva. When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated, they’re more visible. This is what causes the whites of the eyes to appear reddish or pink. Pink eye is also called conjunctivitis.
• It is most often caused by a viral infection, also known as viral conjunctivitis, which is highly contagious.
• It also can be caused by a bacterial infection, an allergic reaction or, in babies,​ an incompletely opened tear duct.
• Though pink eye can be irritating, it rarely affects your vision.
• Treatment can help ease the discomfort of pink eye.
• Because pink eye can be contagious, getting an early diagnosis and taking certain precautions can help limit its spread.

Also read: Common diseases children can contract at school

Causes of pink eye:

• viruses
• bacteria
• allergens
• a chemical splash in the eye
• a foreign object in the eye
• in newborns, a blocked tear duct
• contact lens use
• fungi
• certain diseases

Prevention of 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.
• Don’t share eye cosmetics or personal eye-care items.
• Schools should allow infected children to remain in school once any therapy is implemented, except when viral or bacterial conjunctivitis is accompanied by systemic signs of illness.
• Infected students should refrain from attending school if they are unable to avoid close contact with other students.

Those infected or suspecting infection are encouraged to consult the nearest healthcare facility or to see a doctor as soon as possible.

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