Gulu City schools are currently witnessing a surge in cases of a peculiar eye condition commonly known as Red eye. The eye illness is also referred to as conjunctivitis, imposes discomfort, swelling, pain, irritation, isolation and stigma among others to the affected individuals.
The bacteria is caused by a virus or bacteria. It's spread among persons through direct contact by touching eyes of infected persons or contaminated surfaces then touching your eyes or indirectly sharing personal items such as beddings, clothes, towels, and topical eye medication.
According to Gulu City Resident Commissioner Ms. Jane Frances Okili, more than 390 people in the city have tested positive for the Red Eye Disease and majority of the cases are being recorded in primary schools across the city.
Patients affected with the Red Eye Disease present bleeding under the white part of eyes, fearing light, pricking sensation and uneasiness in the eye. The disease is spread by hand shaking with an infected person and flies.
Ms. Okili says that they started registering a few cases at St. Michael Primary School; El-Shaddai Primary registered over 300 cases; Mary Immaculate registered over 50 cases; and Credo Primary School registered 6 cases.
She however, called upon the Gulu City health department to intervene quickly, and with school authority, they have managed over 100 cases of pupils who have already recovered from this condition.
She also appealed to members of the community to be very vigilant during this period, adding that they have advised the schools to have many hand-washing facilities in the schools to avoid the spread of these diseases.
Frequent hand washing, refraining from touching the eye unnecessarily, avoiding sharing personal items and regular disinfecting surfaces are key precautions to minimize the risk of transmission. Infected individuals should use clean, warm compress to alleviate swelling and discomfort. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms persist for more than two weeks.
