Health Ministry reports ‘Red Eyes’ Outbreak & Chickenpox increase in Roseau, Marigot & Portsmouth

The Ministry of Health & Environment is advising the public of an outbreak of Viral Conjunctivitis, aka ‘Red Eye’, in Marigot, Portsmouth & Roseau Health Districts.
 
In an official release, the ministry says to date the cases are only being reported from the Marigot, Portsmouth and Roseau Health Districts. Presently there are no reported cases of Red Eye in the Health Districts of St. Joseph, La Plaine, Castle Bruce and Grand Bay.
 
In response the Ministry of Health and Environment is advising the public to be vigilant to prevent further spread of the disease. Meanwhile, all health facilities have been alerted, and active surveillance has been initiated. Field investigation as well as community level education have been ongoing. Educational materials to inform the public on prevention and management of Red Eye have been distributed in the affected areas.
 
Red Eyes is an infection of the covering of the surface of the eye and eyelids. This infection is very contagious but it can be effectively treated at home. Symptoms of Red Eyes include:
 
·       Redness or swelling of the white of the eye or inside the eyelid
·       Watering eye/ excess tears
·       Sandy feeling or pain in the eye
·       Increase sensitivity to light
·       Blurred vision
·       Itching, irritated, and or burning eyes
 
Meanwhile, the Ministry is also advising of an increase in the cases of Chickenpox on island. However, at this stage, it is not considered to be an outbreak. A cluster of cases has been reported in Grand Bay and Roseau Health Districts for the past weeks.
 
The Ministry says it has increased surveillance and active search for cases with chicken pox in communities around the island.