Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04...ind-mystery-football-eye-infections/106525200
'Rare parasitic fungus' behind outbreak of severe conjunctivitis in Top End wet season footballers
By Jacqueline Breen
1h ago
A rare water-borne parasite likely spread on Darwin's sodden wet season playing fields is behind an outbreak of severe conjunctivitis that has so far affected more than 100 people.
The Northern Territory Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has identified the microscopic parasitic fungus, vittaforma corneaea, as the cause of the recent spike in mystery eye infections linked to the NT Football League (NTFL).
Aussie Rules players in Darwin with symptoms of conjunctivitis are being urged to contact health authorities amid an outbreak of unknown origin affecting dozens of players.
The CDC is telling members of the public to stay vigilant and take precautions at a number of Darwin playing fields identified as high risk.
Here's what we know.
What have the NT's health authorities said?
An investigation was launched last month after teams in the NTFL raised the alarm about dozens of suspected conjunctivitis cases reported since the start of the wet season, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
On Wednesday, the CDC said the number of reported cases of keratoconjunctivitis linked to the NTFL had climbed above 100...
'Rare parasitic fungus' behind outbreak of severe conjunctivitis in Top End wet season footballers
By Jacqueline Breen
1h ago
A rare water-borne parasite likely spread on Darwin's sodden wet season playing fields is behind an outbreak of severe conjunctivitis that has so far affected more than 100 people.
The Northern Territory Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has identified the microscopic parasitic fungus, vittaforma corneaea, as the cause of the recent spike in mystery eye infections linked to the NT Football League (NTFL).
Aussie Rules players in Darwin with symptoms of conjunctivitis are being urged to contact health authorities amid an outbreak of unknown origin affecting dozens of players.
The CDC is telling members of the public to stay vigilant and take precautions at a number of Darwin playing fields identified as high risk.
Here's what we know.
What have the NT's health authorities said?
An investigation was launched last month after teams in the NTFL raised the alarm about dozens of suspected conjunctivitis cases reported since the start of the wet season, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
On Wednesday, the CDC said the number of reported cases of keratoconjunctivitis linked to the NTFL had climbed above 100...