Health

Health ministry announces four cases of red eye disease in Nairobi, Kisii

Dr. Patrick Amoth. (File)

By Farhiya Hussein | Wednesday, January 31, 2024

The disease which was first reported in Mombasa is self-limiting.

The Ministry of Health has announced that cases of red eye (conjunctivitis) disease have been reported in Nairobi (3) and Kisii(1) counties.

In a press statement on Wednesday, the Acting Director General for Health Patrick Amoth said the disease which was first reported in Mombasa is self-limiting. Self-limiting infections are those that can be treated at home or can resolve on their own.

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According to the Department of Health in Mombasa, over 200 people were being treated for conjunctivitis disease last week

Eighty patients presented themselves for treatment at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, 36 others visited PortReitz Sub-County Hospital and 33 went to Likoni Sub-County Hospital.

Following the outbreak, the ministry issued an alert in the coastal region, specifically in Mombasa, Malindi, and Lamu.

Dr Amoth on Wednesday said the disease is characterized by red, watery eyes and is most likely due to Adenovirus (epidemic serotype), which spreads very fast but rarely causes long-term complications to the eyes.

“The disease is spread by touching the eyes of infected persons or contaminated surfaces and then touching your eyes. To avoid being infected, it is recommended that you wash your hands frequently and keep your hands off your face,” said Dr Amoth.

The public has been warned against sharing towels with family members who are infected.

“If you are affected, take time off from work or school to reduce the spread. For mild symptoms, apply a cold compress over the eyes with a wet face towel,” said Dr Amoth.

However, persons exhibiting severe symptoms -redness, discharge, swelling, and bleeding- are urged to seek medical attention.

Red eye disease is caused by viruses, allergens and bacteria. It is contagious and can spread through physical contact with an infected person or surface, and through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

According to Mombasa County Ophthalmologist Nadya Mustafa, there are many causes of conjunctivitis but at the moment, they are dealing with viral conjunctivitis.

She said the signs of the infection include redness, swelling, persistent pain and a yellowish discharge.

“It is a highly contagious virus. A person gets infected the moment they come into contact with the virus. It takes two to four days for someone who is infected to start exhibiting the symptoms of the disease. We should exercise proper hygiene to keep the virus at bay. The virus remains active on surfaces for almost a month,” said Mustafa.