Pink eye cases increase in eThekwini
eThekwini Health Department urges practising good hygiene as 161 cases have been reported.
KWAZULU-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane is urging the public to avoid pink eye infection by practising good personal hygiene, such as regular hand-washing and avoiding the sharing of facecloths, eye cosmetics or pillows.
This comes after at least 161 cases of pink eye have been confirmed in various parts of eThekwini District since February 26.
The cases were recorded at Clairwood Hospital (55), KZN Children’s Hospital (50), Cato Manor Community Health Centre (39), McCord Hospital (15) and Halley Stott Clinic (2).
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Simelane said a few basic hygienic practices can help contain the spread of pink eye.
“Now that we have confirmed cases of pink eye in the eThekwini District, we are urging those who have its symptoms not to sit at home but to visit their nearest clinic. During the era of Covid-19, we had developed a number of habits that promoted good hygiene, such as regular hand-washing with soap and water or sanitiser. Those are some of the things we need to re-orient ourselves with.”
Pink eye is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball. This membrane is called the conjunctiva.
“When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated, they’re more visible. This is what causes the whites of the eyes to appear reddish or pink. Pink eye also is called conjunctivitis,” explained the MEC.
She commented that pink eye is most often caused by a viral infection, also known as viral conjunctivitis, which is highly contagious.
“It also can be caused by a bacterial infection, an allergic reaction or – in babies – an incompletely opened tear duct.”
Though pink eye can be irritating, she said it rarely affects your vision.
“Treatment can help ease the discomfort of pink eye. Because pink eye can be contagious, getting an early diagnosis and taking certain precautions can help limit its spread.”
Those infected or suspecting infection are encouraged to consult their nearest healthcare facility or to see a doctor as soon as possible.
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