- On March 21, during a national parliament session, the Zambian Ministry of Health addressed the outbreak of conjunctivitis in the Eastern Province as an urgent public health issue. The ministry has provided the following recommendations to prevent the spread of infection:
- Strict Hygiene and Avoiding Sharing Personal Items
- Maintain rigorous hygiene practices and avoid sharing personal items. Keep surfaces clean.
- Seek Medical Attention Promptly
- If symptoms appear, visit a healthcare facility immediately.
- An outbreak of conjunctivitis affecting over 1,300 cases, primarily among children and young people, has been confirmed in the Manbwe and Chadiza districts of the Eastern Province.
- The first case was identified on March 6, 2024, in a 16-year-old girl at Mfuwe Day Secondary School.
- This outbreak began in Central Africa at the end of last year and has spread to Eastern and Southern Africa since January 2024, and is not unique to Zambia.
- According to ZNPHI investigations, this infection is believed to be viral (enteroviruses, adenoviruses) rather than bacterial, and further testing is ongoing.
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis Include:
- Pink or red sclera (white of the eye)
- Swelling of the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the white of the eye) or eyelids
- Increased tear production
- Discharge, especially greenish-yellow (common in bacterial conjunctivitis)
- Itching, irritation, burning sensation
- Feeling of a foreign object in the eye, or a strong urge to rub the eye
- Excessive discharge on the eyelids or eyelashes upon waking
- Cold, flu, or other respiratory symptoms
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty or discomfort with contact lenses
Risk Factors for Conjunctivitis:
- Contact with infected individuals
- Poor hygiene conditions
- Contamination of personal items such as face towels or pillows
- Crowded living environments or social situations (e.g., schools, military barracks)
Public Advice:
- Maintain Strict Hygiene:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after touching the eyes. Use prescribed eye medications.
- Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes to prevent further spread.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Items:
- Do not share towels, body-washing towels, or pillows with someone who has conjunctivitis.
- Do not share cosmetics or contact lens cases.
- Keep Surfaces Clean:
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like door handles, counters, and shared electronic devices to prevent bacterial or viral spread.
- Wash pillowcases, sheets, laundry clips, and towels frequently with hot water and detergent, and wash hands after handling these items.
If Symptoms Appear:
- Seek medical attention promptly if symptoms such as redness, itching, discharge, or eye pain occur.
- Follow medical provider recommendations for treatment and follow-up care to prevent complications and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
- Do not touch or rub the eyes, as this can worsen symptoms or infect the other eye.
- Avoid sharing facewear.
Conjunctivitis is highly contagious, and we have seen it spread from country to country. Without effective control, the infection could spread throughout the country. Infected individuals should stay at home and avoid moving around the community.
Additional Notes:
- Detailed information about this disease has not yet been publicly released by the Ministry of Health, but it is believed to be similar to “epidemic keratoconjunctivitis” or “pool fever” in Japan. These conditions are highly contagious and can spread rapidly within schools or families, with school or daycare attendance prohibited until fully recovered. Enhanced hand hygiene, avoiding sharing towels, disinfecting shared areas, and avoiding public facilities in affected regions are recommended.
- If symptoms appear, appropriate diagnosis by an ophthalmologist is necessary. If it is “epidemic keratoconjunctivitis,” follow medical instructions carefully to complete treatment, as it may affect vision depending on the course of the disease.
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