There is an outbreak of Red Eyes otherwise known scientifically as Viral Conjunctivitis. This has been reported in the country's regions of Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, Pwani and the capital city, Dodoma.
Viral Conjunctivitis is an Infection of the eye caused by a virus, which can be caused by a number of different viruses, such as adenoviruses. It is very contagious, and sometimes can result in large outbreaks depending on the virus.
Tanzania's Ministry of Health made the announcement on the outbreak on 15 January 2023, which is available on this link: https://twitter.com/wizara_afyatz/status/1746905306091708917?s=20
Symptoms of conjunctivitis can include:
- Pink or red colour in the white of the eye(s)
- Swelling of the conjunctiva (the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid) and/or eyelids
- Increased tear production
- Feeling like a foreign body is in the eye(s) or an urge to rub the eye(s)
- Itching, irritation, and/or burning
- Discharge (pus or mucus)
- Crusting of eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning
- Contact lenses that feel uncomfortable and/or do not stay in place on the eye
Viral Conjunctivitis can occur with symptoms of a cold, flu, or other respiratory infection. It usually begins in one eye and may spread to the other eye within days. Discharge from the eye is usually watery rather than thick.
For more details on causes, symptoms, treatment and transmission, please read here: https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/index.html