Wakiso, (UG):- The past weeks have seen an escalation of the red eye disease in Wakiso District mainly amongst children in boarding schools. The observation was made during the Easter break, where a number of parents reported their children to have come back home with the disease.
“This didn’t spare those at home who came in contact with the affected ones. The disease is rapidly spreading, necessitating immediate action to contain its transmission and provide necessary medical care to those affected,” health officials say.
Health authorities from Wakiso District were unable to provide a comment as the DHO was out on leave and the acting official designated was also unable to pick up our repeated calls.
Red Eye Disease Outbreak
Red-eye disease was reported last month to have broken out in neighbouring Kampala, through a letter dated March 13, in which KCCA said been alerted by the Director of Public Health and Social Services of an outbreak of the eye infection.
Mr Charles Bonnie Maginot, the Acting Director of Education and Social Services who signed the letter from the authority further said that; “Cases had already been reported in some of our schools and education institutions”
“In the interim, you are accordingly guided by our health teams to reactivate the existing infection prevention measures in schools such as frequent handwashing with water and soap, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes,” he added.
About Red Eye Disease
According to health experts, conjunctivitis is an infection caused by a virus. It is contagious but usually clears up within a week without medical treatment.
Symptoms include a change in vision, sensitivity to light, irritation, redness, and swelling among others. The disease can linger for up to 21 days if left untreated, with the highest risk of transmission occurring around 10-12 days post-infection.
Health experts advise people to avoid shaking hands and close contact with one another and ensure screening of visitors coming to the schools and institutions.
“Report cases to the nearest health facility or call the toll-free line, 0800299000 of the Directorate of Public Health,” says KCCA.
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