Arua City’s health department has heightened its vigilance following reports of a suspected outbreak of conjunctivitis, commonly known as Red Eye disease, within several schools in the area.
According to officials from the Arua City health department, there have been at least 13 suspected cases of red eye, with six cases meeting the defined criteria for the disease.
Dr. Pontius Apangu, the principal health officer for Arua City, revealed that the suspected cases primarily involve students from Arua Technical Institute Ragem, situated along the Arua-Pakwach highway in Ayivu Division. Additionally, alerts of suspected cases have emerged from schools in Tanganyika ward, Arua Central division. Dr. Apangu emphasized that suspected cases are currently under isolation and are receiving medical treatment.
Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as Red Eye, is a highly contagious infection affecting the covering of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid. While viruses are the typical cause, bacteria, allergens, or certain eye medications can also trigger the condition.
The disease spreads through various means, including hand-to-eye contact, sharing personal items like towels or pillowcases, facial contact, or using shared eye drops or eyeglasses, as outlined by the Ministry of Health.
Benard Amaga, the Arua City Health Educator, stressed the importance of schools and teachers remaining vigilant in identifying and reporting suspected cases promptly. He also urged the reinforcement of preventive measures such as frequent handwashing with soap and water.
This recent development echoes a similar outbreak of Red Eye disease that occurred in Arua over a decade ago, affecting more than 10 schools in the region. Moreover, earlier this year, the Ministry of Health declared an outbreak of conjunctivitis in Kampala, initially detected within school settings.
