Viral conjunctivitis sweeps through region

Viral conjunctivitis also known as ‘red eye’ or pink eye has reportedly become a regional problem. At least 13 countries in South America and the Caribbean have reported alarming outbreaks. Although the number of viral conjunctivitis has dropped in Suriname there is always the risk of a second wave due to the number of people that constantly travel throughout the Caribbean. The Pan American Health Organization has confirmed outbreaks of the virus in the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos Islands, The Bahamas, St Lucia, Guadeloupe and Martinique. A growing number of red eye cases have also been reported in Guyana. At the end of June the Dominican Republic Ministry of Health said that conjunctivitis is affecting all regions of the country and that a high number of cases-more than 50,000- have been reported in recent weeks, prompting health officials to call it an epidemic. Surinamese health officials do not have the actual figures but about 1,300 cases were reported between April and May. They suspect that the figure is much higher especially given the fact that most people do not go to the doctor but opt for home remedies instead. Viral conjunctivitis is an infection of the covering of the surface of the eye and eyelids. The infection is very contagious – it can easily be spread from person to person – but it can be effectively treated at home. The germs are passed on to others through hand-to-hand contact when hands are not washed after contact with discharge from an infected eye. Symptoms include redness or swelling of the white of the eye or inside the eyelid, watering eye and excess tears, increased sensitivity to light, and pus or discharge from the eyelids which result in eyelids being stuck together. Members of the public are urged to practice personal hygiene and avoid contact with discharges from the eyes or the upper respiratory tracts of infected persons.

Health officials also urge people to seek medical treatment for affected eyes.