The Surge of Red Eye Disease in Kenya's Coast Region

Health officials in Kilifi and Mombasa counties are urging residents to exercise caution due to an increase in cases of 'red eye' disease in the Coast region.

Consequently, many individuals in the region are going to medical centres to seek treatment for eye infections. It is believed that the infections might have come from Tanzania, as Tanzanian health officials recently cautioned about a red eye disease outbreak in their nation. The Ministry of Health in Tanzania recently stated that a significant portion of their citizens have been impacted by the disease, also referred to as conjunctivitis. However, it is crucial to comprehend the infection's characteristics, its origins, symptoms, and methods for self-care if one contracts it.

Conjunctivitis, also known as 'red eye' or 'pink eye', is an eye condition that can be triggered by either an infection or allergies. It usually resolves on its own within a couple of weeks, even without medical intervention. According to the NHS in the UK, conjunctivitis typically affects both eyes and presents symptoms such as redness, a burning sensation, grittiness, pus that adheres to the lashes, itching, and excessive tearing. The CDC in the US cautions that pinpointing the exact cause of conjunctivitis can be difficult as some symptoms overlap regardless of the cause.

The CDC also points out that viral conjunctivitis can be highly contagious and may result in widespread outbreaks depending on the specific virus. Bacterial conjunctivitis is more prevalent in children than adults, but children without fever or behavioural changes can usually still attend school. On the other hand, allergic conjunctivitis occurs when the body reacts to allergens like pollen, dust mites, moulds, pet dander, medicines, or cosmetics. Although not contagious, the CDC states that it is more common in individuals with other allergic conditions like hay fever, asthma, and eczema.

According to the Mayo Clinic, pink eye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the transparent membrane lining the eyelid and eyeball. When the blood vessels in the conjunctiva become enlarged and inflamed, they become more noticeable. As a result, the whites of the eyes take on a reddish or pinkish hue. If you're looking to treat conjunctivitis at home, the NHS suggests starting by boiling water and allowing it to cool. Once cooled, use a fresh cotton pad to gently wipe your eyelashes and get rid of any crusts. Remember to use a separate pad for each eye. Afterwards, ease your eyes by placing a cold cloth on them for a few minutes.

It's also important to regularly wash your hands with warm, soapy water and clean your pillowcases and facecloths in hot water with detergent. When sneezing, cover your mouth and nose and dispose of used tissues in a bin to prevent spreading conjunctivitis to others. If a child under the age of two has conjunctivitis, it's best to seek advice from a healthcare professional.