Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=173946
Eye ill mutates
Sera Whippy
Friday, July 01, 2011
AN outbreak of a somewhat evolved conjunctivitis or cika is localised to the Vanua Levu and Viti Levu mainlands.
Ministry of Health spokesman Peni Namotu said the mutated form of the eye infection virus, called the adenovirus, was causing a hyperendemic occurrence of conjunctivitis in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa.
"The virulent nature of this virus is demonstrated by the prolonged duration of conjunctivitis occurrence prior to resolution. The current conjunctivitis condition impacts on the cornea or the brown part of the eye which produces extreme irritation and discomfort to the patient," he said.
He said conjunctivitis was usually a self-limiting disease that would resolve within two to three weeks after onset along with antibiotic treatment of the eye.
"The manifestation of regular conjunctivitis includes eye irritation, discharge, swelling and conjunctiva redness. This current conjunctivitis infection, however, takes six to seven weeks to resolve with antibiotic and partial steroid eye-drop therapy."
He said the ophthalmology department at the Lautoka and Labasa hospitals experienced the same hyperendemic occurrence of conjunctivitis.
"The cases were so many that clinical services were considering the situation to be a small outbreak of the disease.
"With the current situation on conjunctivitis, the general public is encouraged to practise good hygiene. Frequently wash hands with soap and water and dry hands using disposal paper towels.
"Seek immediate medical intervention with onset of the conjunctivitis symptoms, wash your face regularly and refrain from sharing handkerchief or paper towels," said Mr Namotu.
He also advised parents to refrain from sending their children to school. if they have the infection until their condition improves.
Eye ill mutates
Sera Whippy
Friday, July 01, 2011
AN outbreak of a somewhat evolved conjunctivitis or cika is localised to the Vanua Levu and Viti Levu mainlands.
Ministry of Health spokesman Peni Namotu said the mutated form of the eye infection virus, called the adenovirus, was causing a hyperendemic occurrence of conjunctivitis in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa.
"The virulent nature of this virus is demonstrated by the prolonged duration of conjunctivitis occurrence prior to resolution. The current conjunctivitis condition impacts on the cornea or the brown part of the eye which produces extreme irritation and discomfort to the patient," he said.
He said conjunctivitis was usually a self-limiting disease that would resolve within two to three weeks after onset along with antibiotic treatment of the eye.
"The manifestation of regular conjunctivitis includes eye irritation, discharge, swelling and conjunctiva redness. This current conjunctivitis infection, however, takes six to seven weeks to resolve with antibiotic and partial steroid eye-drop therapy."
He said the ophthalmology department at the Lautoka and Labasa hospitals experienced the same hyperendemic occurrence of conjunctivitis.
"The cases were so many that clinical services were considering the situation to be a small outbreak of the disease.
"With the current situation on conjunctivitis, the general public is encouraged to practise good hygiene. Frequently wash hands with soap and water and dry hands using disposal paper towels.
"Seek immediate medical intervention with onset of the conjunctivitis symptoms, wash your face regularly and refrain from sharing handkerchief or paper towels," said Mr Namotu.
He also advised parents to refrain from sending their children to school. if they have the infection until their condition improves.