What is Conjunctivitis, a disease wreaking havoc in Kampala schools?
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The Outbreak in Kampala Schools
Recently, the Director of Public Health and Environment at the Ministry of Health alerted the KCCA about the outbreak of conjunctivitis within the Kampala metropolitan area.
KCCA in turn, on March 13 wrote to all head teachers and principals, government and private education institutions in Kampala, warning them about the outbreak.
"Cases have already been reported in some of our schools and education institutions," the letter signed by Mr Charles Bonnie Maginot, the Acting Director of Education and Social Services reads in part.
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about conjunctivitis, how it spreads, and how to stay healthy.
What is Conjunctivitis?
Imagine the white part of your eye (the sclera) and the inner lining of your eyelids like a thin, clear sheet. This sheet is called the conjunctiva, and when it gets inflamed and irritated, that's conjunctivitis. This inflammation can make your eyes red, itchy, watery, and sometimes even crusty.
How Does it Spread?
Conjunctivitis is very contagious, just like a common cold. It can spread through:
- Direct contact: Sharing towels, handkerchiefs, or makeup with someone who has conjunctivitis can easily transfer the virus or bacteria causing it.
- Touching your eyes: If you touch something contaminated with the virus or bacteria, then touch your eyes, you can get infected.
- Airborne droplets: Some types of viral conjunctivitis can spread through tiny droplets in the air when someone with the condition coughs or sneezes.
Is it Serious?
In most cases, conjunctivitis is not a serious illness. It usually clears up on its own within a week or two without needing any special treatment. However, it's always best to consult a doctor if:
- Your symptoms get worse or don't improve after a few days.
- You experience severe pain in your eye.
- You have discharge that is thick, yellow, or green.
- You have sensitivity to light.
Keeping Yourself Safe
Here are some simple steps you can take to avoid getting conjunctivitis:
- Wash your hands frequently: This is the golden rule to prevent the spread of any germs! Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before touching your eyes, eating, or after using the toilet.
- Avoid touching your eyes: It might be tempting to rub itchy eyes, but resist the urge! This can transfer germs from your hands to your eyes.
- Don't share personal items: Sharing towels, handkerchiefs, or makeup can easily spread conjunctivitis.
- Practice good hygiene: If you have conjunctivitis, use disposable tissues and throw them away after each use. Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with others until your symptoms improve.
School's Role in Keeping Everyone Healthy
Schools play a crucial role in preventing the spread of conjunctivitis. Here's what you might see happening at your school following the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) communication:
- Reminders about handwashing: Teachers and staff might remind students to wash their hands regularly throughout the day, even more frequently than usual.
- Reduced physical contact: Activities involving close contact, like some games, may be limited for a while.
- Monitoring and reporting: If a student shows symptoms of conjunctivitis, the school might recommend they see a doctor and stay home until they recover. This helps prevent further spread within the school community.
The Bottom Line
Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection, but it's nothing to be too worried about. By following simple hygiene practices and staying informed, you can protect yourself and your friends from getting red eye disease. Remember, when in doubt, always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and advice.
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