Increase in conjunctivitis cases 2007

11 Sep 2007

There has been an increase in the number of outpatient attendances for conjunctivitis (red eyes) at the polyclinics for the last three weeks ending 8 September 2007. About 1,110 cases per week were treated for the condition in August and first week of September this year, compared to the average weekly figure of 702 cases per week from January to July 2007. MOH has identified Coxsackievirus A24 as the likely cause for the increase in the number of cases of conjunctivitis since the beginning of August. This is a common virus strain that has been known to cause large but self-limiting outbreaks locally in the past.

Ministry’s advice

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.