The Ministry of Health has identified poor hygiene as the cause of the Red-Eyes disease outbreak in schools across Kampala.
Dr. Diana Atwiine, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, is urging school heads to ensure the availability of handwashing facilities to prevent the spread of the eye disease.
Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze from the Ministry of Health stated that prisons such as Luzira Upper Prison, Murchison Bay Prison, Kassanda Prison, Kaweeri Prison, and Lira Main Prison have also been affected.
“Based on surveillance and laboratory reports, suspected cases have been identified within schools. Samples have been collected for bacterial and viral laboratory testing within Uganda. As of March 14, 2024, a total of 954 cumulative cases have been registered, with an incidence of 353,” explained Dr. Kyabayinze.
He emphasized ongoing laboratory testing to determine the causative agents responsible for these cases and assured the public of joint surveillance efforts between the Kampala Capital City Authority and Ministry of Health.
Dr. Kyabayinze stressed preventive measures such as frequent handwashing and avoiding direct contact with infected individuals to curb the spread of the disease.
The Ministry of Health has implemented various measures, including promoting personal hygiene and strengthening surveillance in affected areas.
“We urge the public to adhere to preventive measures such as frequent handwashing and refraining from sharing personal items,” reiterated Dr. Kyabayinze.
He also emphasized the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting of suspected cases.
KCCA confirmed the outbreak of conjunctivitis disease in schools within the Kampala metropolitan area in a letter dated March 13 addressed to all head teachers and principals in government and private education institutions in Kampala.
According to health experts, conjunctivitis is an infection caused by a virus that usually clears up within a week without medical treatment. Common symptoms include redness, pain, irritation, swelling of the conjunctiva and eyelids, increased tear production, and a feeling of a foreign body or an urge to rub the eyes.