Increase in conjunctivitis cases

31 Aug 2005

There has been an increase in the number of outpatient attendances for conjunctivitis (red eyes) at the polyclinics in the first four weeks of August 2005. About 1,300 cases per week were treated for the condition compared to the average weekly figure of 610 cases per week from January to July 2005.

Conjunctivitis is usually caused by a viral infection. The commonest complaint is a sudden onset of red, itchy eyes. There may also be fever, headache, runny nose, sore throat, cough and muscle aches.

The disease is usually mild but it is infectious. It spreads easily from person-to-person, especially those living in the same household and in crowded places. Therefore, family members should avoid sharing common household articles, such as face and bath towels, handkerchiefs, pillows or bed linen with infected persons.

Hand-to-eye contact is another common route of spread. The public should avoid rubbing their eyes and wash their hands after touching their eyes. They should not share eye drops and eye washes.

Persons with conjunctivitis are advised to seek treatment from their family doctors and continue to practise good personal hygiene and proper disposal of contaminated items.