Public warned of red eye outbreak in Dominica

Three districts in Dominica is reporting an outbreak of viral conjunctivitis, or ‘red eye’.

According to the Ministry of Health and Environment, cases have been reported in Marigot, Portsmouth and Roseau.

No instances of red eye have been reported in the St Joseph, La Plaine, Castle Bruce and Grand Bay health districts.

There is also an increase in chickenpox, but the ministry has said it is not considered an outbreak at this point.

Vigilance

All health facilities have been alerted, and active surveillance has been initiated.

The public is being advised to be vigilant to help prevent the further spread of the disease, the ministry has said.

Field investigation, as well as community-level education, have been ongoing – educational materials covering prevention and management of red eye have been distributed in the affected areas.

Viral conjunctivitis is an infection of the covering of the surface of the eye and eyelids.

This infection is very contagious – it can easily be spread from person to person – but it can be effectively treated at home.

The germs are passed on to others through hand-to-hand contact when hands are not washed after contact with discharge from an infected eye.

Symptoms include redness or swelling of the white of the eye or inside the eyelid, watering eye and excess tears, increased sensitivity to light, and pus or discharge from the eyelids which result in eyelids being stuck together.