DRC - Viral conjunctivitis outbreak 2024

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Kinshasa: Viral conjunctivitis, an epidemic hitting the capital

by Editorial staff
lemediasc@gmail.com

January 1, 2024

For several days, an epidemic of conjunctivitis has been observed in Kinshasa among the population of the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to doctor Reddy Bayiwila, it is undoubtedly an epidemic of viral conjunctivitis (in the same way that there are influenza epidemics). caused by a virus called adenovirus

For this healthcare professional, stopping the spread of this virus involves washing hands or using a disinfectant, and above all not touching the eyes.

However, the doctor reassures that this is not inevitable and that there is a possibility of self-healing.

“Being a viral conjunctivitis, even in the absence of treatment, you are cured in 1 week. For a viral illness, you don't need an antibiotic.
Regular eye washing with either physiological water or previously boiled tap water is sufficient. » reassures Bayiwila

It at least gets attention if things get worse. “You need to see an ophthalmologist because yes, conjunctivitis can become complicated. »

In general, allergic conjunctivitis begins in spring and is often associated with allergic rhinitis.

It should be noted that it occurs, in an allergic person, after contact with an allergen and it regularly recurs as soon as the person is exposed to this allergen again. So you should avoid rubbing your eyes because it will only make the inflammation worse . In addition, you risk contaminating those around you through your hands carrying the virus or bacteria. Wash your hands before and after touching your eyes

Little Ben Bukasa

https://lesmedias.net/2024/01/01/ki...epidemie-qui-frappe-la-capitale/?noamp=mobile

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DRC: how to explain the outbreak of conjunctivitis in Kinshasa?

January 10, 2024

Yvonne Nzungu, Congolese general practitioner, explains the causes of the outbreak of conjunctivitis, a pathology that targets the eyes, in Kinshasa, the Congolese capital.

“This disease, which spreads very quickly, is causing concern in Kinshasa. In recent times, doctors are facing many cases of irritated eyes that are red, watery and sometimes painful. With red eyes hidden by dark glasses, handkerchiefs in hand, we see people of all ages who say they have conjunctivitis, commonly called Apollo by ordinary people,” Ms. Nzungu confides to Sahutiafrica.

According to her, no study has, until now, been done to justify this outbreak of conjunctivitis. But Yvonne Nzungu still reminds us that this is a periodic epidemic. She says “it is difficult to scientifically justify this outbreak”.

“Conjunctivitis is inflammation or irritation of the conjunctiva of the eye. There are two types of conjunctivitis: palpebral conjunctiva and bulbar conjunctiva. But here, much more, we are talking about bulbar conjunctivitis, because the latter is the part that covers the white of the eye,” explains Dr Yvonne Nzungu.

According to this doctor, it is an infection that is transmitted through contact with infected secretions or contaminated objects. “When in contact with infected secretions, that is to say, by hand for example, we rub our eyes without washing our hands and then we shake our hands. As for contaminated objects, we see towels, washcloths…” she continues.

She gives precautions to avoid getting contaminated. This includes washing your hands before rubbing your eyes, but also avoiding running your finger or hand over your face and rubbing your eyelids at any time.

Voldi Nkengi

https://sahutiafrica.net/rdc-comment-expliquer-la-flambee-de-la-conjonctivite-a-kinshasa/

 

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South Kivu: the DPS warns of the epidemic of superinfected viral conjunctivity “Apolo” in Bukavu

Wednesday February 14, 2024 - 06:59

The epidemic of superinfected viral conjunctivity commonly called “Apolo” is raging in the province of South Kivu, precisely in the city of Bukavu and its surroundings.

It is the Provincial Health Division (DPS) of South Kivu which alerts about the situation in a press release made public this Tuesday, February 13, 2024 and a copy of which reached 7SUR7.CD.

This public institution in charge of health specifies that the ocular signs include “swelling of the eyelids, pain, redness, tearing, sensation of grains of sand, difficulty in fixing the light and mucopurulent conjunctival secretions”.

The South Kivu Provincial Health Division invites the entire population to take hygiene precautions to protect themselves against this epidemic. In particular, it recommends washing hands in schools, homes and workplaces while asking the population to avoid shaking their hands and rubbing their eyes.

Doctor Deo Ngoma, who signed this press release, invites anyone who presents these signs to consult an ophthalmologist for treatment.

Déogratias Cubaka, in Bukavu

https://7sur7.cd/2024/02/14/sud-kiv...-conjoctivite-virale-surinfectee-apolo-bukavu

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Outbreak of conjunctivitis cases in Bukavu

Thursday February 15, 2024 - 07:00

At least 288 cases of viral conjunctivitis outbreak were recorded during the month of January alone in the city of Bukavu, South Kivu province, the CELPA eye hospital announced.

According to the medical director of the establishment, Dr Kabesha Théophile, among these cases, 90 concern children aged 0 to 15 years.

"During this month of January and until today, we have already recorded 288 cases, including 190 adults and 98 children. The situation is already complicated here. Around 200 cases come from the city itself, while others others come from the surrounding area. This is a disease that requires an urgent response,” said Dr Kabesha Théophile.

The province of South Kivu is currently facing an epidemic of viral conjunctivitis, commonly known as "Apollo". In a press release, the coordinating doctor of the province's eye health and vision program, Dr. Deo Ngoma Basedeke, alerted to the presence of this epidemic and called on the population to respect precautionary measures to fight against its spread. .

Furthermore, several cases of conjunctivitis have also been recorded in Kinshasa. It is an inflammation characterized by eye redness, eye pain, eye discharge and reflex tearing.

Contacted by ACTUALITE.CD, Dr Jérôme Mayole, ophthalmologist at the Force publique polyclinic of Lemba, stressed the need to take precautions and called on patients to avoid self-medication.

"The disease is very contagious. Direct contact should be avoided, such as shaking hands, and any contact with objects soiled by the patient's eye secretions. Adopt hand hygiene measures, avoid exchanging spectacle frames and isolate yourself if you have symptoms. Seek medical attention at the first sign,” said Dr. Mayole.

Justin Mwamba

https://actualite.cd/index.php/2024/02/15/rdc-epidemie-de-conjonctivite-virale-bukavu

 

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DRC-Uvira: Mulunge central prison affected by an epidemic of viral conjunctivitis

by LE JOURNAL.AFRICA February 20, 2024

Sixty-five inmates are currently affected by the viral conjunctivitis epidemic at the Mulunge central prison in Uvira, in the south of the South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These figures were made public this Monday, February 19 during the treatment of these patients by the team of the Mother-Child medical center, specializing in eye health, within this prison.

Ten percent of inmates at Mulunge Central Prison in Uvira are affected by the outbreak of viral conjunctivitis, commonly known as APOLLO. This epidemic began on February 17, and in the space of three days, it affected 65 prisoners out of a total of 607, according to the prison director.

Faced with the presence of this epidemic and in consideration of the promiscuity in the prison, the medical team from the mother-child center intervenes to provide medical assistance to the victims. Ophthalmologist Murhula Matthias David explains that viral conjunctivitis is a highly contagious infection, usually caused by adenoviruses.

“In order to prevent possible complications among these detainees in the event of non-treatment, we intervened to treat these patients. We provided 150 bottles of Gentamycin eye drops, two boxes of Tetra ointment, 150 bottles of Dexamethasone and 10 boxes of disinfectants.”

According to Murhula Mathias, Senior Technician in Potamology at the mother-child center, most conjunctivitis is linked to benign germs or viruses and tends to improve on its own in 3 to 4 days. However, complications occur in the absence of medical treatment, especially when symptoms worsen, including contagion of conjunctivitis, damage to the cornea, and keratitis, a severe complication of conjunctivitis.

Conjuntivitis Prevention Strategies in Uvira and South Kivu

In order to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis, it is essential to implement preventive measures nationally, with particular emphasis on South Kivu province and Uvira. TSO Murhula Mathias recommends the use of a hand sanitizer or appropriate washing after any contact with the eyes or nasal secretions (apply to all hands, rub for at least 20 seconds, rinse well and dry with a paper towel).

It also highlights the importance of disinfecting equipment after each patient exam, refraining from touching the uninfected eye after touching the infected eye, not sharing towels or pillows, avoiding swimming in swimming pools, and to consult a health professional as soon as signs of conjunctivitis appear. This specialist advocates awareness campaigns within the community regarding these preventive measures.

Following the administration of treatment and the distribution of medical kits to inmates, the prison director appeals to the government and organizations engaged in this field for their assistance, with the aim of eradicating this epidemic within the prison. penitentiary establishment. As a reminder, a press release dated February 12 from the provincial coordination of the eye health and vision program reported numerous ocular symptoms linked to this disease, including swelling of the eyelids, tearing, the sensation of grain of sand, difficulty staring at light, pain, redness and mucopurulent conjunctival discharge.

Josephine Mungubi

https://lejournal.africa/rdc-uvira-...hee-par-une-epidemie-de-conjonctivite-virale/

 

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“Apollo”, an epidemic of viral conjunctivitis declared in North Kivu

02/27/2024

The Provincial Health Division in North Kivu (DPS) has declared since Monday February 26, 2024, a new epidemic mainly in the city of Goma, capital of North Kivu.

According to the press release signed jointly by Doctor Stéphane Bateyi, interim head of the North Kivu DPS and Doctor Jason Pithuwa, coordinator of the national eye health and vision program in North Kivu, this is the epidemic of viral conjunctivitis, commonly called "Apollo".

This epidemic has been observed for several weeks in the province. To this end, the Provincial Health Division advises the population to take preventive measures and hygiene precautions such as washing their hands frequently or disinfecting them with hydroalcoholic gel, avoiding shaking hands and rub your eyes, avoid exchanging cloths as hand towels.

Furthermore, in the event of the appearance of symptoms including eye pain, the sensation of grains of sand, redness, swelling of the eyelids, the DPS advises the population to immediately consult a specialized eye care service and to avoid self-medication or traditional herbal products.

The North Kivu Provincial Health Division has sounded the alarm about the poor management of viral conjunctivitis which can lead to loss of vision. Hence, the necessity and obligation of using appropriate services.

Delphin Mupanda/MCP, North Kivu
congo-press.com (MCP) / mediacongo.net


https://www.mediacongo.net/article-...njonctivite_virale_declaree_au_nord_kivu.html

 

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Viral conjunctivitis (Apollo): South Kivu exceeds the bar of 2,000 cases (DPS)

Wednesday March 6, 2024 - 1:47 p.m.

More than 2,000 cases of the "Apollo" superinfected viral conjunctivitis epidemic have already been recorded in the province of South Kivu, since the beginning of February 2024. The announcement was made by the Provincial Health Division (DPS), on Monday March 05, 2024.

According to Doctor Claude Bahizire, communications officer at the Provincial Health Division, several health zones in South Kivu are already affected by this epidemic. He specifies that the city of Bukavu is the most affected in terms of recorded cases.

To limit contamination, the latter affirms that the Provincial Health Division is increasing awareness on hygiene measures.

"Cases of contamination are numerous in the province of South Kivu. The DPS continues with awareness raising, in particular by distributing leaflets on hygiene and preventive measures in churches and schools. This is done with the aim of limiting large-scale contamination,” he said in an address to the press.

Doctor Claude Bahizire invites the population of South Kivu to respect hygiene measures to protect themselves against this epidemic.

It should be remembered that the Provincial Health Division has been alerting about this epidemic since February 13. Its ocular signs include swelling of the eyelids, pain, redness, tearing, the sensation of grains of sand, difficulty focusing on light and mucopurulent conjunctival secretions.

Déogratias Cubaka, in Bukavu

https://7sur7.cd/2024/03/06/conjonctivite-virale-apollo-le-sud-kivu-depasse-la-barre-de-2000-cas-dps

 

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Conjunctivitis disease reported in Maniema province

Published on Thu, 04/04/2024 - 15:12 | Modified the game, 04/04/2024 - 15:12

The ophthalmologist Charles Omesumbu Shako practicing in the town of Kindu (Maniema) affirmed, Wednesday April 3, that conjunctivitis disease is already spreading in this town. He urges people suffering from this eye condition to go to the nearest health facilities and not to apply anything in the eyes.

According to Dr. Charles Omesumbu Shako, conjunctivitis disease is first manifested by the change in the color of the eyes.

“They become red and watery. For viral conjunctivitis, it is more tears, the discharge is watery. And for bacterial conjunctivitis when there is superinfection, we have micro-purulent secretions that occur. At times the eyelids swell and then patients will feel the presence of one of the foreign bodies in the eyes when in reality there is none,” he declared.

Regarding the prevention of this disease, he advises taking barrier gestures such as during the COVID-19 epidemic.

“We must wash our hands regularly with soap, we must avoid touching our eyes, we must avoid rubbing our eyes because it aggravates the lesions. During this period, we avoid greeting each other by the hand. And when the person is affected, we bring them to the clinic,” added Dr Charles Omesumbu Shako.

https://www.radiookapi.net/2024/04/...nctivite-signalee-dans-la-province-de-maniema

 

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Conjunctivitis in Kasai-Oriental: Dr Sumba recommends hand washing to cut the chain of transmission

Published on Thu, 02/05/2024 - 17:35 | Modified the game, 02/05/2024 - 17:35
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In Mbuji-Mayi, capital of Kasai-Oriental, many people suffer from conjunctivitis but no health structure has been able to determine the number of people already suffering from this pathology.
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https://www.radiookapi.net/2024/05/...iental-dr-sumba-preconise-le-lavage-des-mains

 

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Kasaï Oriental: conjunctivitis epidemic declared (Minister of Health)

May 3, 2024

Mbujimayi, May 3, 2024 (ACP) .- The epidemic of imported purulent conjunctivitis is raging in Kasaï Oriental, a province in the center of the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the provincial ministry in charge of health which declared it after demonstrations of the latter in many households in the area, the ACP learned from official sources.

“(…) We are already going through a period of epidemic of imported purulent conjunctivitis. It is important because it is an epidemic which emerged in Kinshasa and was even confirmed at the national level. But as there is the entry-exit flow between Kinshasa and Mbujimayi, we think that it is Kinshasa which contaminated the province of Kasai Oriental ,” declared Mr. Auguy Kayemba, provincial minister in charge of Health in Kasai. Oriental.

He therefore calls on the population to observe personal and clothing hygiene measures, to stop the chain of transmission of this epidemic. Washing your hands regularly and avoiding shaking hands are precautions that must be absolutely observed, he recommended.

“I call on the population to take action regarding this. Purulent conjunctivitis remains a contagious disease, which is transmitted from one individual to another after direct contact. This is done by shaking hands, because at any time you can use your own fingers to rub your eye, as long as you shake hands with someone already infected and carrying this disease .

To prevent this contagion, the population must observe personal hygiene measures and clothing hygiene.

Wash your hands regularly, avoid greeting each other by the hand, perhaps give each other fists or elbows if we want to greet each other, I believe that we will cut this chain of transmission,” insisted the provincial minister of Health. To cut the chain of transmission, Auguy Kayemba calls for the involvement of the entire population in strict compliance with the rules laid down, to avoid consequences which are sometimes unfortunate on vision. ACP/Kayu

https://acp.cd/sante/kasai-oriental-lepidemie-de-la-conjonctivite-declaree-ministre-de-la-sante/

 

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North Kivu
/​https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Kivu
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Beni: More than 60 cases of viral conjunctivitis recorded in the Oïcha health zone in 3 months

22 hours ago RMBB Editorial

More than 60 cases of viral conjunctivitis have been recorded in the Oïcha health zone, in Beni territory, since February 2024. Supervisor Kule Kyusa, responsible for preventive care and epidemiological surveillance of this health entity, communicated these statistics to RADIOMOTO.NET, this Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Our source recommends that this disease, which affects the eyes, be treated in a health structure rather than at home.

To date, at least 64 cases of this disease have been reported in the commune of Oïcha. According to Kule Kyusa, the disease has been raging in the region since last February. “It’s been practically since February 26, 2024. We had 4 cases, in March 1 case. It was in April that we found several cases,” he says.

The person in charge of preventive care and epidemiological surveillance in the Oicha health zone specifies that the symptoms of this epidemic include eye pain, a feeling of grains of sand in the eyes, redness of the eyes and swelling of the eyelids. He distinguishes two types of conjunctivitis, notably viral and bacterial.

“Here we are talking about viral conjunctivitis caused by viruses. There are two kinds. There are also bacterial caused by bacteria. But all have redness and itching around the eye,” he explains before adding “You have to wash the eye frequently. It’s with physiological serum or with antiseptics.”

To prevent the spread of the disease, the health worker at the Oïcha health zone also encourages frequent hand washing. He also invites residents of the health zone to refer to health facilities in order to follow appropriate treatment.

Samy Kita

https://www.radiomoto.net/2024/05/0...stres-dans-la-zone-de-sante-doicha-en-3-mois/
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Haut-Uélé
/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haut-U%C3%A9l%C3%A9
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Haut-Uele: around 300 households affected by conjunctivitis in Isiro

Tuesday May 7, 2024 - 3:54 p.m.

The first cases date back to the last week of April 2024. Two weeks later, nearly 300 households were affected by conjunctivitis in the provincial capital of Haut-Uele, in the northeastern part of the DRC.

This highly contagious disease affects a good number of students in several schools in the city and outlying villages. Other students did not go to school this Monday to avoid the spread of the disease in the school environment.

Doctor Blaise Gbadi, chief medical officer of the Isiro interim health zone, calls for compliance with hygiene rules to limit the spread of conjunctivitis in the area.

"What we are going to ask the community for now is to take preventive measures against conjunctivitis because it is a viral disease; it is transmitted from one person to another. What we are going to do is most ask people is to maintain hand hygiene, wash your hands at all times, even use hydroalcoholic solutions. For cases that are already pending, those affected can use tetracycline, try to. be in quarantine, stay at home and only go out if it is very necessary, protect your eyes with glasses, and also protect others who are not yet contaminated to prevent this disease. Individuals must avoid wearing anything. what in the eyes, avoid self-medication at the risk of exposing the eyes to serious complications that could destroy them,” advises this doctor.

Conjunctivitis causes inflammation of the conjunctiva, one of the component membranes of the eye. It can be caused by allergies, or by an infection of bacterial or viral origin. It is contagious, and is transmitted by contact with secretions from the eye of an infected person.

Joël Lembakasi, in Isiro

https://actualite.cd/2024/05/07/haut-uele-environ-300-menages-frappes-par-la-conjonctivite-isiro

 

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Viral conjunctivitis epidemic: more than 250 cases recorded at Kakwangura prison in Butembo

Published on Wed, 05/15/2024 - 1:05 p.m. | Modified on Wed, 05/15/2024 - 1:05 p.m.

The Network for Human Rights (REDHO) launched an alert on Tuesday, May 14, about the rapid spread of viral conjunctivitis at Kakwangura prison in Butembo. In just one week, at least 250 cases have been recorded, indicates this civil society organization. REDHO calls on local political, administrative and health authorities to act to stem the spread of this disease throughout the city of Butembo.

During a weekly press conference held on Monday, May 13, the Butembo Provincial Health Division reported that 134 cases had been reported the previous week in Kakwangura prison. Prison medical sources announced on Tuesday, May 14, that around 100 additional cases were recorded in just 24 hours, bringing the total to more than 250 inmates suffering from viral conjunctivitis, also known locally as "Appollo"

REDHO highlights the difficulties of isolating prisoners with conjunctivitis due to prison overcrowding. He also expresses fears about the potential contamination of the entire town of Butembo due to the speed with which the epidemic is spreading in the prison. REDHO urges the intervention of the competent authorities.

Furthermore, administrative sources at the prison report that it currently accommodates more than 1,200 residents, more than three times its capacity. The head of the Butembo health zone says he is aware of the situation and affirms that response measures are already underway to eradicate this disease.

https://www.radiookapi.net/2024/05/...-virale-plus-de-250-cas-recenses-la-prison-de

 

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North Kivu health: declaration of the conjunctivitis epidemic in Oicha recommended

May 28, 2024

North Kivu, May 28, 2024 (ACP).- The official declaration of the conjunctivitis epidemic, commonly called “ Apollo” , in Oïcha, North Kivu in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, was recommended on Tuesday during an interview.

“ It is up to the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Prevention to inquire about the situation in order to officially declare the conjunctivitis epidemic in the Oicha health zone ,” declared Dr Essaie Nzala, chief medical officer of the Staff of Oicha General Hospital.

He added: “ We are really concerned about the statistics currently being seen at the General Hospital. It was since March and even February that we began to observe some cases of viral conjunctivitis, formerly called Apollo .

Dr Nzaba added: “ It was, at the beginning, two cases in February and in March, we had no cases, while in April, we had around 26 cases which we treated and curiously on May 27, we already have 65 cases .”

School environments are at high risk

Furthermore, Dr Kule, supervising nurse in the Oïcha health zone, recommended regular and hygienic hand washing. “ This is where we say, in every place, you have to look for an opportunity to wash your hands wherever you are . ” “ School environments seem to be conducive places for the spread of this virus ,” said nurse Kule, adding: “ the Monsignor Kahongya institute is hit hard by this outbreak, where several dozen cases of conjunctivitis have been reported . ”

Mr. Evariste Paluku, prefect of the Monsignor Kahongya institute, explained: “ since this epidemic was observed in our rural commune of Oïcha, it is affecting many people, even in schools, precisely in my school. , where I am the first responder. My children are not spared either.” He added that the statistics are so alarming and his school has already recorded 40 cases among learners and three cases among teachers. “ Need to raise awareness among the population_* According to Dr. Nzaba, given the gradual increase in the conjunctivitis curve, it is important to communicate to the population about the different methods of prevention.”

“ To prevent what some are already calling an epidemic, the health zone has started an awareness campaign. The objective is to teach the population preventive and curative measures ,” he said, inviting all people affected by this viral disease to go, as soon as the first signs appear, to the hospital for a effective and appropriate care. “Trying your eyes can lead to such serious complications,” he concluded.

ACP/

https://acp.cd/sante/nord-kivu-sant...pidemie-de-conjonctivite-a-oicha-recommandee/

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Maniema: people with conjunctivitis from a municipality invited to medical consultation

May 30, 2024

Punia, May 30 , 2024 (ACP).- People suffering from conjunctivitis in the rural commune of Punia, in Maniema (central-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo), were invited Thursday, in an interview, to medical consultation in health structures in order to benefit from appropriate care.

“We invite all patients suffering from conjunctivitis to consult the nearest health facilities for the appropriate treatment which will not have harmful consequences on their eyes,” advised Dr. Séraphin Musimbwa, medical director of the general hospital. Punia reference.

“This recommendation is made because we have noted an outbreak of cases of conjunctivitis in the rural commune of Punia where this disease is wreaking havoc. And we see that patients with this disease resort to products and other remedies that can damage their vision,” he lamented.

“At the moment, we do not have complete statistics, but we receive every day in our structure at least 6 patients suffering from conjunctivitis, the causative agent of which is most often the serotype 70, 71 and 72 virus,” a- he says.

To effectively protect against this disease which is transmitted by contact with conjunctival secretions of an already infected person, Dr Musimbwa called on the population to respect hand hygiene measures by avoiding contact to reduce the risk of contracting the disease. disease .

ACP/KHM

https://acp.cd/sante/maniema-les-pe...-commune-invitees-a-la-consultation-medicale/