The Department of Health in Mombasa has confirmed an outbreak of conjunctivitis, commonly known as red eyes, in the coastal county.
In a statement, the department said several cases of red eye infection had been reported in several county public health facilities.
The authorities urged members of the public to take necessary precautions to prevent the infection of conjunctivitis.
The infection also known as pink eye is an inflammation of the thin, clear covering of the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. The symptoms of the infection include itching, a burning sensation, and increased tearing.
According to the county medics, the infection is caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens or irritants.
To control the spread of conjunctivitis members of the public have been advised to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
In the absence of water and soap, one can use a hand sanitiser with at least 60 per cent alcohol to clean their hands.
Additionally, members of the public have been told to avoid touching or rubbing their eyes, as this can introduce germs and irritants.
"Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow to rub or itch your eye if necessary," the notice read in part.
Additional safety measures include avoiding sharing personal items like towels, pillowcases, or eye makeup, and washing bedding, towels, and other personal items frequently, especially if someone in the household has conjunctivitis.
Persons with conjunctivitis have been urged to avoid close contact with others and consider staying home from work or school until symptoms improve.
Also, use sunglasses to protect your eyes from irritants and reduce the spread of infectious particles.
Good respiratory hygiene
Other measures include covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing, disposing of tissues properly and washing hands immediately afterwards.
To avoid contamination, refrain from sharing items like eye drops, contact lenses, or contact lens cases, clean and disinfect surfaces that come into contact with your eyes, such as eyeglasses and those that come into contact with your hands such as working surfaces, doorknobs, staircase rails and light switches.
Seek medical attention
If you experience symptoms of conjunctivitis, such as redness, itching, discharge from the eyes, or blurred vision you're advised to seek medical advice promptly.
The announcement comes a week after Tanzanian health authorities issued a high alert on the outbreak of red eye.
Pascal Ruggajo, the Director of Curative Services in the Ministry of Health, reported a significant increase in cases, with 869 patients identified in Dar es Salaam between December 22, 2023, and January 11, 2024.
