By Petulia Clarke, Staff ReporterTHE ISLAND is still experiencing acute conjunctivitis (pink eye) at the "outbreak level" but there is no need for panic, Dr. Deanna Ashley, Director of Health Promotion and Protection at the Ministry of Health said yesterday.
In fact, the virus is expected to run its course "in another week or two", and persons are being cautioned that good hygiene practices is essential to curbing the outbreak.
"There's nothing to worry us at the moment. We expect to see a gradual reduction, people just need to keep vigilant with basic hygiene," Dr. Ashley said. "Once people are taking precaution we will see it diminished."
The Ministry has reported a jump from 45 to 94 reported cases from beginning to end of last week. Figures for this week are not yet available. The last outbreak Dr. Ashley said was a few years ago, in the late 1990s.
The Ministry announced last Friday that the number of pink-eye cases in children and adults had increased significantly in several parishes across all four health regions over three weeks.
The viral infection of the eye is very contagious and usually spreads rapidly in schools, workplaces and nurseries. Persons with acute viral conjunctivitis most often display symptoms of redness of the eyes, watery discharge, a feeling of gravel in the eyes and swelling of the eyelids. Some persons may also experience photophobia or sensitivity or intolerance to light. Both eyes may be affected simultaneously, or the second eye may be affected a few days after the first.
Dr. Ashley said the fact that school was out would stem the transmission, but parents should be careful with nurseries, summer camps, swimming pools and those affected at the office should be sent home.
The Ministry has health education officers out at the community level and media prevention campaigns are ongoing.
The Ministry has also taken steps to heighten surveillance education at clinics and other settings. Reminders have also been sent to physicians on the management of the condition.
