Dr Eva Lewis-Fuller, Ministry of Health's director of health promotion and protection, is again reminding parents and guardians not to send children with pink-eye (acute conjunctivitis) to school. Her advice comes against the background of a rapid increase in the number of reported pink-eye cases, especially among children.

"We are urging parents and guardians not to send children with pink-eye to school because of the highly contagious nature of the virus," Lewis-Fuller said in a health ministry news release. She stressed that proper hand washing is extremely crucial at this time for children with pink-eye. They should be discouraged from touching their faces, especially around the eyes and also associating with their peers until their eyes have cleared up.

Lewis-Fuller said adults with pink-eye should also remember not to share cosmetics, contact lenses and towels. They should refrain from shaking hands with infected people as such individuals may have infected eye secretions on their hands. The ministry's public education efforts continue across the island at schools, clinics and other places to stem the spread of the virus. Schools and workplaces are encouraged to call the ministry for public-education material on pink-eye.

Signs and symptoms

Redness of the eyes

Scratchy and/or burning eyes

Grainy feeling in the eyes

Sensitivity to light and watery eyes.

Treatment and care

Pour boiled water that has been cooled on to clean tissue or cotton and wipe eyes at least three times per day. Throw cotton or tissue into garbage after each use.

Avoid rubbing eyes.

Change pillow cases every night.

Do not attend school, work or other crowded places until infection clears up.

Take infants with pink-eye to the doctor or nearest health centre as soon as possible.

Wash hands with soap and water each time you touch/scratch your eyes and each time you use tissue or cotton.

Source: Ministry of Health