The County Government of Mombasa is urging residents to prioritize hygiene measures as the region grapples with a surge in cases of Conjunctivitis, commonly known as the Red Eye.
In a statement released on Monday, January 22, the County Department of Health Services highlighted the concerning rise in incidences of this highly contagious and infectious disease.
Red Eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants, manifesting symptoms such as eye pain, swelling, redness, itchiness, and eye discharge.
UK’s National Health Service (NHS) says the condition usually affects both eyes and makes them red, burn or feel gritty, producing pus that sticks to lashes, itch or watery.
To combat the spread of the infection, Mombasa County is advising citizens to strictly adhere to hygiene measures.
This includes frequent handwashing with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, refraining from touching or rubbing eyes and face, and avoiding the sharing of personal items such as towels, pillowcases, eye drops, or makeup.
These preventative measures are crucial in mitigating the rapid spread of Red Eye, which has instilled fear and anxiety among Mombasa County residents.
The alert also pointed out the infectious nature of Red Eye, emphasizing the importance of covering the nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, proper disposal of tissues, regular disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, and the use of sunglasses to alleviate eye irritation.
Residents experiencing symptoms like redness, itching, blurred vision, or eye discharge are urged to seek immediate medical attention.
In a related development, health authorities in neighboring Tanzania also issued a high alert on January 16, regarding the outbreak of Red Eye.
The government of Tanzania while issuing the alert noted that health facilities had recorded 869 people with the Red Eye disease between December 22, 2023, and January 11, 2024.
It is believed that the ‘red eye’ or ‘pink eye’ disease infections in the Kenyan Coast might have spread from neighbouring Tanzania.
