NUMBER OF CASES OF VIRAL CONJUNCTIVITIS IN MALAWI SURGES TO 13,400

Wed 03 April 2024:

With nearly 13,400 confirmed cases since the first cases were reported in the northern border region of Karonga in mid-February, viral conjunctivitis is still on the rise in Malawi.

Health officials report that the outbreak has already reached 26 of the 28 districts in the nation. 13,419 cases in all had been reported as of Saturday.

Spokesperson for the Ministry , Adrian Chikumbe said so far, the disease has reached nearly all the districts in Malawi, adding that Karonga still tops the list with Lilongwe coming second.

Chikumbe added that Ministry of Health is striving to contain the disease whose signs and symptoms include redness of the eyes, itching, watery eyes and pain in the eyes, among others.

“The disease is self-limiting; it goes on its own without requiring antibiotics within seven to ten days. However, the ministry encourages people to immediately seek medical attention to treat symptoms and reduce suffering. Antibiotic may be given to treat secondary infections,” Chikumbe said.

Chikumbe added that Ministry of Health was conducting sensitisation sessions with various groups to increase public awareness on how the disease is spread and how it can be prevented.

He added that health facilities across the country also provide treatment to cases and further promote hygiene and sanitation to help curb transmission, saying hygiene is key in preventing about 52% of communicable diseases that include pink eye.

Meanwhile, Executive Director for Malawi Health Equity Network, George Jobe has called for more sensitization activities on the dangers of pink eye, adding that the disease has no medication and that it cures on its own after some time.

“Pink eye is highly contagious and affects human activities which include productivity. People cannot go to work, learners cannot go to school and healthcare workers cannot provide healthcare services when they themselves have pink eye disease,” Jobe said.

While no deaths have been recorded thus far, cases of vision loss have been reported in some districts, particularly in Karonga. In early March, Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda advised the public to avoid handshaking and adhere to hygienic practices to prevent further spread of the eye disease.

Symptoms of the disease include pink or red discoloration in the white part of the eye, itching, persistent tearing, eye discharge, swelling of the eye lining, visual disturbances and painful eyes, among others.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

______________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

WhatsApp CHANNEL
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22