An outbreak of conjunctivitis, sometimes referred to as red eyes, has been verified by Mombasa’s Department of Health.

The government stated in a statement that many red eye infection cases had been documented in multiple county public health institutions.

The public was asked by the authorities to adopt the appropriate safety measures to protect themselves against conjunctivitis infections.

The illness commonly referred to as “pink eye” causes inflammation of the inside of the eyelids as well as the thin, transparent layer that covers the white portion of the eye. Itching, a burning feeling, and increased tearing are signs of the illness.

The infection is brought on by germs, viruses, allergies, or irritants, say the county medics.

If you don’t have access to water or soap, you can clean your hands using a hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol.

The general population has also been advised not to scratch or wipe their eyes as this might spread irritants and bacteria.

The advisory said, in part, “If necessary, rub or scratch your eye with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.”

Other precautions include cleaning bedding, towels, and other personal goods often, particularly if someone in the home has conjunctivitis, and avoiding sharing personal items like towels, pillows, or eye makeup.

It has been recommended that people with conjunctivitis remain away from close contact with others and consider skipping work or school until their symptoms subside.

Also, use sunglasses to protect your eyes from irritants and reduce the spread of infectious particles.

Good Respiratory Hygiene

Additional precautions include washing your hands right away after coughing or sneezing, disposing of tissues properly, and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow.

Avoid sharing things like eye drops, contact lenses, or cases for contact lenses. Clean and sanitize surfaces that come into contact with your hands, like doorknobs, light switches, and staircase railings, as well as those that come into contact with your eyes, like spectacles.

Seek Medical Attention

It is recommended that you get medical attention right away if you have conjunctivitis symptoms including redness, irritation, discharge from the eyes, or impaired vision.

The news was made one week after Tanzanian health officials raised the warning level regarding the red eye outbreak.

The Ministry of Health’s Director of Curative Services, Pascal Ruggajo, announced that 869 new cases had been discovered in Dar es Salaam between December 22, 2023, and January 11, 2024. This is a notable rise in cases.