13 Oct 2010
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 13) reminded people to guard against acute conjunctivitis (ACJ, red-eye syndrome).
The appeal followed the CHP's investigation into an ACJ outbreak in a school in Southern District involving 19 male students aged 13 to 17 and a female staff member.
The affected persons presented with red and itchy eyes with discharge since October 6. They all sought medical consultation and none required hospitalization. All of them are in stable condition.
The CHP's staff have conducted a site visit and provided health advice to the school.
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.