16 Sep 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 16) reminded people to guard against acute conjunctivitis (ACJ, red-eye syndrome).
The CHP's latest surveillance data showed the average consultation rate for ACJ among sentinel private clinics increased from 2.4 (per 1,000 consultations) in the week ending September 4, 2010 to 3.1 in the week ending September 11, 2010. The corresponding rate among sentinel General Outpatients Clinics (GOPCs) increased from 1.1 to 1.3.
Nonetheless, these changes may represent normal baseline fluctuations, and a more continued rise in the rates is necessary to establish a real upward trend.
The average weekly rate among sentinel private doctors ranged from 0.5 to 7.2 in the past three years, i.e., 2007 to 2009. That among sentinel GOPCs ranged from 0.4 to 2.8.
A CHP spokesman said no institutional outbreak of acute conjunctivitis has been recorded since August this year. Nevertheless, the CHP is closely monitoring the situation.
The CHP will issue letters to schools alerting them to keep vigilance and implement preventive measures against ACJ.
The spokesman urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene.
Acute conjunctivitis is a contagious condition mostly caused by bacteria and viruses. The symptoms are irritation, tearing, pain and redness of the eyes. In most cases, full recovery can be expected within one to two weeks with proper treatment.
Transmission usually occurs through direct contact with discharges from the eyes or upper respiratory tracts of infected people, or indirectly through contaminated fingers, clothing and other articles.
To prevent infectious conjunctivitis, the following measures are important:
* Do not share personal items such as towels and toilet articles;
* Do not share eye droppers, eye medicines, eye makeup, contact lenses and other items that may come into contact with eyes;
* Minimise hand-to-eye contact; and
* Wash hands frequently and before and after contact with eyes.
When suffering from infectious conjunctivitis, people should:
* Seek early medical attention;
* Refrain from going to schools, child care centres or workplaces until recovery;
* Avoid going to swimming pools;
* Avoid touching or rubbing the infected eyes;
* Wash hands often with soap and water;
* Wash personal items such as bed linen, pillowcases and towels in hot water and detergent;
* Properly dispose of items soiled with eye or respiratory secretions;
* Avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses; and
* Avoid sharing common articles such as towels and glasses.
Swimmers are reminded to pay special attention to the following:
* Do not swim when suffering from infectious diseases, such as red eye,
diarrhoea, hand-foot-mouth disease;
* Take a shower before swimming and wash hands after using the toilet or changing diapers; and
* Take children on bathroom breaks.
People may call the Central Health Education Unit hotline at 2833 0111 or visit CHP's website, www.chp.gov.hk , for more information.