Ginaba Lino
The National Ministry of Health in South Sudan declared the outbreak of conjunctivitis, commonly known as red eye disease on 22nd April 2024.
While addressing the media on Tuesday, the minister of Health Hon. Yolanda Awel Deng said, the first outbreak was confirmed in Nimule Payam, Magwi County.
According to the Ministry of Health, the outbreak was initially detected among travelers from Uganda where similar cases have been reported and an outbreak of conjunctivitis declared by the Ministry of Health in Uganda.
The health authorities in Nimule have heightened surveillance at the major point of entry (PoE) to identify suspected cases.
Hon. Awel emphasized that the experts are now at the border to continue collecting samples to confirm the causative agent and manage suspected cases at the nearest health facilities.
In the press statement seen by Catholic Radio Network says, a total of 382 suspected cases were screened and managed 297 at Nimule PoE and 85 at Nimule Hospital starting from 16 April 2024.
The report also stated that cases of red eye were reported in Juba, citing that the ministry will continue to monitor the situation in Juba and Nimule and across the Country.
The contagious period is within the first 10 to 12 days but infection can last up to three weeks, “says the Minister.”
Conjunctivitis characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva (mucous membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and lines of the eyelids) can be caused by various factors including viral and bacterial infections among others.
Viral conjunctivitis is the most common form and is highly contagious and can be spread from person 10 person through direct contact, and sharing of personal items such as towels, and pillowcases.
It can also spread through facial contact, and sharing of eye drops or eyeglasses, Symptoms may include redness in the white part of the eye or inner eyelid, increased tears, thick yellow discharge over the eyelashes, and itching. Blurred vision, and sensitivity to light
The Ministry of Health with the key stakeholders has initiated several measures including promoting personal hygiene, (WASH activities – Water, To control the spread of the disease.
Sanitation & Hygiene), strengthening surveillance, managing and treating affected individuals, sensitizing the public about the disease and prevention measures, and orienting healthcare workers on investigating and responding to cases of red eye disease.
The Ministry of Health urges the public to highly observe the following to contain this spread of the disease, Wash hands frequently with clean water and soap