Red eyes disease: Dokolo on high alert

By Daniel Ongoda (editor@vol.co.ug)

Dokolo

Dokolo district leaders are preparing to respond to an outbreak of the red eye disease which has been reported in three Sub counties in the district.

Dokolo district health department has established response points at health center III’s in Okwongodul, Dokolo Town Council, Okwalongwen Sub County
and Dokolo Health Center IV.

Dokolo District surveillance focal point person Patrick Deox Ouni said red eyes disease is easily transmissible in congested areas like trading centers, schools and markets, calling upon people to embrace hand washing with soap to control the spread of the disease.

Eugine Odongo the assistant Dokolo health officer of District, said they are prepared to respond to red eyes disease and diarrhea outbreak reported in Agwata town council.

Barbra Akec the RDC of Dokolo District called upon locals to embrace proper hygiene to fight the spread of the disease.

Earlier this week, Caroline Agaro, the assistant district health officer for Oyam, confirmed the outbreak of the red eye disease in some schools in the district.

Signs and Symptoms

Conjunctivitis happens when the membrane covering the insides of your eyelids and the white part of your eye, called the conjunctiva, becomes inflamed.

Inflammation of the conjunctiva causes the whites of your eyes to appear pink or red in colour.

The most common pink eye symptoms include redness in one or both eyes, itchiness in one or both eyes, a gritty feeling, and discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning.

Affected persons may also experience tearing, sensitivity to light.

These measures include frequent handwashing with water and soap, avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes, refraining from shaking hands and maintaining close contact, as well as screening visitors entering the schools and institutions.