13/03/2024
Below is a transcript of the article that I wrote for the Post Newspaper that was published today:
Since February 26th, 2024, at least 161 cases of conjunctivitis ( pink eye), has been confirmed in different parts of eThekwini.
The Kwazulu-Natal Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane is urging the public to avoid the spread of conjunctivitis by practicing good personal hygiene measures.
Conjunctivitis or Pink eye happens when the conjunctiva ( the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye) becomes inflamed or irritated.
Common symptoms of pink eye:
⁃ redness or pink discolouration in one or both eyes
⁃ Itchiness, irritation or a gritty , burning sensation in one or both eyes
⁃ discharge from one or both eyes that can form a crust which can cause difficulty opening one’s eye in the morning
⁃ the discharge can be clear and thin or stringy, thick, white or green
⁃ swelling of the eye lids
⁃ blurred vision
Pink eye can be caused by bacteria, viruses, chemicals or allergic reactions.
It can occur together with respiratory tract infections such as cold and influeza symptoms. Eg sore throat, fever, generalised body pain.
One of the most common causes is viral, eg. adenovirus, herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus.
Pink eye is very contagious, especially if the cause is viral.
When there is discharge from the eye, there is an increased risk of spread via that liquid.
To help prevent the spread of pink eye:
-One must avoid touching one’s eyes with one’s hands.
-Frequent washing of hands is necessary.
If no access to water, one can use hand sanitizer.
-Change pillowcases often.
-Do not share eye make up.
-Do not reuse tissues or hand towels on one’s face.
-Stop wearing contact lenses as soon as symptoms start.
Pink eye is usually diagnosed from patient history taking and examination of the eye.
If one has severe symptoms, a sample of the liquid discharge from the eye can be sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Treatment is dependent on the cause of the infection, one’s symptoms and the condition of the eye.
One may need:
⁃ antibiotic and or steroid eye drops or ointments
⁃ Antihistamine eye drops
⁃ Artificial tears
Pink eye usually does not have long term complications and can take between two to three weeks to resolve.
Vision problems can occur as a result of chronic inflammation which can become permanent.
Ones General practitioner can refer to an opthalmologist if necessary.
Pink eye is one of the most common causes of school absence amongst children.
Pink eye is rare in new born babies and usually happens as a result of diseases passed on during childbirth.