Kampala schools on alert as Health Ministry confirms 900 conjunctivitis cases

As of March 13, 2024, a total of 954 cases have been confirmed across Kampala and the affected prisons. Health officials are actively conducting surveillance efforts alongside the Kampala City Council Authority to monitor the situation.

The Ministry of Health has specified the affected areas within Kampala as Nakawa and Rubaga divisions. Several schools within these divisions have reported suspected cases, with samples collected for further laboratory testing.

The Ugandan prison system has also seen a significant number of cases. A total of 790 cases have been confirmed within the eight affected facilities, including Luzira Upper Prison, Murchison Bay Prison, Kasanda Prison, Kaweeri Prison, Lira Main Prison, Erute Prison, Pader Prison, and Kampala Remand Prison.

Thankfully, the recovery rate within the prison system is high, with 711 individuals declared recovered, translating to a 90% recovery rate. The Ministry of Health attributes this to the identification of new cases primarily among newly admitted inmates, allowing for earlier intervention and treatment.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane lining the white part of the eyeball and eyelids. The condition can be caused by various factors, including:

Viral conjunctivitis, the most prevalent form, is highly contagious and spreads through:

The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of conjunctivitis to the nearest health facility. Additionally, a toll-free hotline has been established by the Ministry of Health for public inquiries: 0800-100-066.

The Ministry of Health is working alongside partners to implement various control measures, including promoting hygiene practices in affected schools, strengthening disease surveillance, managing and treating infected individuals, raising public awareness about conjunctivitis and preventive measures, and training healthcare workers on identifying and responding to cases.