Notice
Jamaicans have been urged to take precautionary measures to stem the outbreak of pink-eye across several parishes.
St Catherine physician, Dr Raymoth Notice, told The Gleaner on Tuesday that the spike in incidence of pink-eye - also known as acute viral conjunctivitis - was worrying. Notice said he was seeing up to six patients per day with the virus.
He said citizens who live or work in crowded areas are particularly at risk of contracting the disease.
"It's a viral infection that lives in the atmosphere and, apart from spreading through contact with infected persons, it can also spread through breathing, which makes it even more contagious," he said.
Outbreaks
The Ministry of Health and Environment has stated that its reports point to outbreaks in St Catherine, Kingston, St Andrew, Clarendon, Manchester, West-moreland, St James and St Ann.
Notice cautioned infected persons to stay away from work or school, for at least five days, in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
"Persons suffering from pink-eye should not get close to others. Being in a crowded area will increase the risk of more persons getting the infection," Notice argued.
Infected person
Dr Eva Lewis-Fuller, director of health promotion and protection in the Ministry of Health and Environment, said the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being in proximity to an infected person.
The ministry said it has taken steps to heighten surveillance and public education at clinics and other spaces to stem the spread of the virus.
Symptoms of pink-eye
Redness of the eyes.
Itchy or burning sensation and a feeling like gravel is in the eyes.
The eyelid may become swollen and a watery discharge may drain from the eye.
The infected person will have difficulty seeing in bright light.
Preventative measures
Wash hands thoroughly and regularly.
Desist from touching the face, especially around the eyes.
Do not share towels, make-up or contact lenses.
Avoid shaking hands with an infected person, as such persons may have infected eye secretions on their hands.
Those with pink-eye should:
Minimise hand-to-eye contact.
Wash hands after touching the eyes.
Use disposable material to wipe the eyes, in mild cases.
Make sure to wash the hands thoroughly after touching the eyes.
