Health experts in Pakwach district have cautioned residents against self-medication to treat conjunctivitis, commonly known as Red Eye disease.
The warning comes as Red Eye cases soar among the community and several schools across the district. According to statistics from Pakwach Health Department on average close to 10 individuals seek treatment for viral Conjunctivitis daily in the district.
Fuathum Judith Kigezi, the Pakwach Environmental Health Officer discloses that several health facilities have continued to receive increasing cases of Red Eye disease among the community members including learners. She further notes that the majority of the infected community members have now resorted to self-medication using local herbs as opposed to seeking prescriptions in health centers.
Conjunctivitis is a highly contagious infection that affects the covering of the eyeball (white part) and the inside of the eyelid. While it is usually caused by a virus, it can also be caused by bacteria, allergens, or certain eye medications.
Dr. John Bosco Oryema, the in-charge of Pakwach Health Center IV says nearly 40 pupils from Pajobi Primary School in Pakwach Town Council tested positive for viral Conjunctivitis last week. However, Dr Oryema has expressed concern that many of the cases have remained underreported as people have resorted to treating themselves at home.
According to information from the Ministry of Health, Red Eye disease can spread from person to person through hand-to-eye contact, sharing of personal items, such as towels or pillowcases, facial contact, or sharing eye drops or eyeglasses.
Some of the common signs include redness and pain in the eyes, irritation in the eyes, swollen lining of the eye, and watery eyes.
Currently, several districts in the West Nile are battling cases of Viral Conjunctivitis with the latest cases reported in Arua City, Madi Okollo and Arua districts.
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