BASSETERRE St. Kitts, June 30th, 2014 -- Since the latter half of last week, the Ministry of Health, Basseterre, continues to receive reports of children and adults experiencing “pink eyes” or “red eyes”.
The Office of the Chief Medical Officer confirms an increase in the number of cases of Conjunctivitis or inflammation of the lining of the eyes which causes them to appear pink or red.
There is no need for panic or to rush to the Emergency Room. The inflammation of “pink or red eye” clears by itself in less than a week without complications in the majority of cases.
The usual cause is a virus which is spread by coughing, sneezing and contaminated fingers. Symptoms include pink, red, swollen, itchy, watery eyes that may have a sticky discharge especially in the morning.
An effective control measure is washing the eyes 4 - 6 times per day with cotton soaked in warm salt water (1/4 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water).
On rare occasions, a bacterial infection may develop especially when the eyes are rubbed. In such instances, antibiotic eye drops are prescribed by a doctor.
To prevent spread, affected persons and their household and daycare contacts should wash their hands regularly with soap and water, and avoid sharing pillows and towels.
Affected infants, toddlers, pre-school and primary school-age children should be kept away from other children until symptoms clear.
Affected adolescents and adults may continue their regular activities once they are feeling well and their hands are washed frequently.
Persons should seek medical advice from a Community Health Center or their personal doctor if they have:
• ?Eye pain
• ?Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• ?Disturbed vision
• ?Intense redness (blood shot colour) in one or both of your eyes
• ?A newborn baby with conjunctivitis
Additional advisories will be issued as warranted.
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