The Uganda Prisons Service has reported a concerning situation within their facilities, with over 1200 cases of conjunctivitis, commonly known as “red eyes,” recorded across various prisons nationwide.
According to Frank Baine, the spokesperson for the Uganda Prisons, since the outbreak of conjunctivitis, they have documented a total of 5905 cases, out of which 4704 individuals have successfully recovered from the infection.
Baine provided an update, stating that there are currently 1201 active cases of conjunctivitis within the prison system. However, he assured the public that none of these cases are critical, and fortunately, no deaths have been recorded as a result of the infection. The prisons continue to adhere strictly to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health to contain the spread of the disease.
The spread of conjunctivitis has been observed across various prison stations, including Upper Prison, Murchison Bay, Kampala Remand, Luzira Women’s Prison, and several others nationwide. Baine emphasized that the situation is being managed effectively, but urged the public to refrain from visiting the prisons if they are unwell to prevent further contamination within the prison community.
Earlier this year, an outbreak of conjunctivitis was initially reported in schools in Kampala before spreading to other areas. The infection presents with symptoms such as itchy and reddish eyes, among others.
In response to the outbreak, members of the public have been advised to maintain good hygiene practices, including regular handwashing with soap, and to avoid touching their eyes to prevent the spread of the infection. These measures are essential to safeguard public health and mitigate the risk of further transmission of conjunctivitis within communities.
