The Ministry of Health, Yolanda Awel Deng Juach declared a red eye disease outbreak in Nimule Payam, Magwi County of Eastern Equatoria State.
“The Ministry of Health would like to inform the general public of an outbreak of conjunctivitis, commonly known as red eye disease, in The Republic of South Sudan. The outbreak started in Nimule Payam, Magwi County. This outbreak was first detected among travelers from Uganda where similar cases have been reported and an outbreak of conjunctivitis declared by the Ministry of Health of Uganda,”
The health authorities in Nimule have heightened surveillance at the major point of entry (PoE) to identify suspected cases, collect samples to confirm the causative agent and manage suspected cases at the nearest health facilities. As of 16th April 2024, a total of 382 suspected cases were screened and managed (297 at Nimule PoE and 85 at Nimule hospital). At the moment, cases are also reported in Juba.
Conjunctivitis, characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva (mucous membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and lines the eyelids) can be caused by various factors including viral and bacterial infections, seasonal allergies, and reactions to eye medications among others.
Viral conjunctivitis, the most common form, is highly contagious and can be spread from person to person through direct contact, sharing of personal items such as towels or pillowcases, facial contact, or sharing of eyedrops or eye glasses. Symptoms may include redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid, increased tears, thick yellow discharge over the eyelashes, itching, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. The contagious period is within the first 10 to 12 days but infection can last up to three weeks.
“In order to control the spread of the disease, the Ministry of Health with support from partners and in close collaboration with State Ministries of Health and County Health Departments have initiated several measures including promoting personal hygiene and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) activities in Nimule, strengthening surveillance, managing and treating affected individuals, sensitizing the public about the disease and prevention measures, and orienting health care workers on investigating and responding to cases of red eye disease. These interventions will be scaled up across the country,”
In order to contain the spread of the disease, The Ministry of Health urges the public to adhere to high sanitation standards using the following preventive measures, wash hands frequently with clean water and soap, avoid contact with infected individuals, particularly touching the eyes and shaking hands, Refrain from sharing items with infected persons, such as pillows, washcloths, towels, eyedrops, or eyeglasses,”
The public is advised not to panic but remain calm and observe all the prevention measures listed above. The more at-risk populations at schools, universities, prisons, IDP/Refugee camps are urged to be vigilant and report all suspected cases to the national outbreak hotline 6666 or the nearest health facility.
