Health ministry issues red eye alert
Jul 15, 2010
THE Ministry of Health has issued an alert over the outbreak of the red eyes disease in the country. Health minister Dr. Stephen Mallinga yesterday called for massive sensitisation on how to curb the epidemic.
THE Ministry of Health has issued an alert over the outbreak of the red eyes disease in the country, writes Milton Olupot and Joyce Namutebi.
Health minister Dr. Stephen Mallinga yesterday called for massive sensitisation on how to curb the epidemic.
Brifing MPs, Mallinga said the disease was first reported in Kisenyi, a Kampala suburb, six weeks ago.
Red eyes presents as an acute inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva, with irritation and pain in the eyes, followed by soreness, watery discharge, redness of the eyes and sensitivity to light.
The disease is transmitted through contact with tears, shaking hands which contain the virus and poor personal hygiene.
Mallinga said since it is a viral infection, there is no cure except supportive treatment like applying antibiotic eye ointment.
Health minister Dr. Stephen Mallinga yesterday called for massive sensitisation on how to curb the epidemic.
Brifing MPs, Mallinga said the disease was first reported in Kisenyi, a Kampala suburb, six weeks ago.
Red eyes presents as an acute inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva, with irritation and pain in the eyes, followed by soreness, watery discharge, redness of the eyes and sensitivity to light.
The disease is transmitted through contact with tears, shaking hands which contain the virus and poor personal hygiene.
Mallinga said since it is a viral infection, there is no cure except supportive treatment like applying antibiotic eye ointment.