Health officials warn of rapidly spreading eye infection; public urged to follow health measures

The rapid spread of an eye infection called ‘Conjunctivitis’ has been reported from several parts of the country, according to health officials.

The Ministry of Health, which informs the general public not to have undue fears of the matter, however, has outlined some necessary safety measures in a bid to minimize the infection.

It was further confirmed however, that the eye infection poses no health threat and is most likely to improve within a span of 3 to 4 days.

Conjunctivitis or the pink eye is a common eye disease which is currently seeing a spike within the country.

Doctors predict that the disease is often spread from one individual to the other by tears and related secretions of an infected person. 

Accordingly, redness in one or both eyes, itchiness in the eyes, increased tear production, headaches, sensitivity to light and dry eyes are some common symptoms of the aforementioned eye disease, according to health officials.

As a result, the general public are urged to follow the necessary safety measures in a bid to reduce the risk of infecting the disease.

Speaking in this regard, Chief Medical Officer of the Colombo Municipal Council Dr. Ruwan Wijayamuni emphasized that spread of the disease can be minimized by following necessary safety measures such as washing hands often with soap and water, using hand sanitizers especially when using public transport and avoiding intimate contact with people. The doctor also advised the people to avoid touching the eyes in order to avoid risk of infection.

Moreover, Dr.  Wijayamuni asserted that there is no serious health threat following the infection and that the condition will improve within a span of 3 to 4 days.

Meanwhile, Dr. Hiranya Abeysekara, the Paediatric Eye Surgeon at Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, mentioned that this eye disease is linked to the respiratory system of children, adding that symptoms will gradually reduce within a week. 

“However, in certain cases the disease is likely to affect the pupil of the eye, which can affect the vision of children. If so, we advise that you urgently meet an eye surgeon and receive necessary treatment if the condition lasts for more than 05 days”, the doctor noted.

In the meantime, warnings have been made that the risk of spreading the infection is greatly amplified due to the prevailing rainfall and wet weather.

Furthermore, several classes in Kotahena Central College have already been cancelled due to the spread of the disease among children.

However, Principal of the Kotahena Central College stated that based on the advices from officials of the regional educational services, it was decided to cancel the classes of grades 6,7 and 8 for four days since around 40 children in the school had reportedly been infected with the disease as of last Thursday. 

“Further, another 30 students were reported as of last Friday and 35 on Monday”, he added.

As such, the Ministry of Health has requested the general public to avoid sending their children to schools if the aforementioned symptoms are observed.