The office of Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has issued a cautionary red alert over a suspected viral conjunctivitis outbreak in Mombasa county commonly known as the Red Eye.
In a quick dispatch to newsrooms this evening, the ministry noted that there was an upsurge of possible viral conjunctivitis cases in the coastal county and urged locals to exercise caution, amid ongoing tests lab investigations to ascertain its cause.
“The cases are very contagious and are presenting with red eyes, eye swelling, eye discharge, and itchiness.” The alert reads in part.
According to the ministry, conjunctivitis can be caused by infections and chemicals.
“Take preventive measures such as washing hands, using sanitizers, maintaining hygiene. Seek prompt treatment and self-isolate if symptomatic.” The ministry has advised.
This comes a day after the County Government of Mombasa has urged residents to prioritise hygiene measures as the county deals with increased cases of Conjunctivitis.
The Red Eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants, and is characterised by symptoms such as eye pain, swelling, redness, itchiness, and eye discharge.
To curb the spread of the infection, Mombasa County has advised citizens to adhere to stringent hygiene measures.
This includes frequent hand washing with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, avoiding the touching or rubbing of eyes and face, and abstaining from sharing personal items like towels, pillowcases, eye drops, or makeup.
These preventive measures aim to curb the spread of Red Eye as the infection spreads quickly, causing fear and anxiety among the residents of Mombasa County.
The alert emphasises the infectious nature of red eye, stressing the importance of covering the nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing, proper disposal of tissues, disinfecting surfaces regularly touched, and wearing sunglasses to alleviate further eye irritation.
Residents experiencing symptoms such as redness, itching, blurred vision, or eye discharge are urged to seek immediate medical attention.
On Monday this week, neighbouring Tanzania health authorities issued a high alert over the outbreak.
