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A red eye Patient. Courtesy photo.
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Health experts in Kyegegwa district have confirmed that 53 people have been infected with conjunctivitis (Red eye disease).
Red eye disease was in March reported in Uganda’s capital, Kampala city and on March 13, 2024 KCCA’s acting director of Education and social services Charles Bonnie Maginot wrote a letter addressed to all headteachers of Government and private educational facilities alerting of an outbreak of the disease and that cases had already been reported in some schools.
The spread of the disease in upcountry districts has increased tension both in public and medical workers.
According to the Kyegegwa district surveillance officer Henry Mugabi, the first suspects in the district were spotted in Bukere township near Kyaka II refugee camp, while 23 are students at Mpara secondary school.
Now, Professionals from Medical Teams International together with the Kyegegwa district surveillance officer have visited the area to assess the situation and expressed worry over the rate at which the disease is spreading.
‘’We feel that these people already have contacts they have infected and this is a great health challenge’’. Said Bruno Twesigye, a medical team professional.
Conjunctivitis is an infection caused by a virus and according to health experts, it is contagious but usually disappears within a week without medical treatment.
He called for increased vigilance and asked people to embrace regular washing of hands.
Kato Neema, a VHT in Bukere trading centre and Kyaka II refugee camp revealed that the disease could have been transmitted by their relatives who have been in Kampala and recently returned.
Mr. Mugabi, while speaking to residents outlined signs of the disease as redness in the eyes coupled with pain, watery eyes and swollen lining of the eye.
