The Ministry of Health has confirmed a total of 790 cases of conjunctivitis, or red-eye disease, inside prison facilities around Kampala and surrounding areas.
According to Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze from the Ministry of Health, who spoke to news reporters about the disease outbreak, 711 cases have been declared recovered, giving a recovery rate of 90%.
“This outbreak has also been identified in several schools in Kampala and eight prison facilities in the country, with affected divisions including Nakawa and Rubaga within Kampala district,” Dr.Kyabayinze said.
He further said that the affected prisons include Luzira Upper Prison, Murchison Bay Prison, Kasaanda Prison, Kawere Prison, and others.
Dr. Kyabayinze, however, says joint surveillance efforts by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the Ministry of Health are underway.
KCCA has warned all head teachers and principals of both government and private education institutions in Kampala regarding the outbreak and advised them to implement infection prevention measures.
These include frequent handwashing, avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes, refraining from shaking hands and screening visitors entering the schools and institutions.
“Schools must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing this outbreak by reporting suspected cases to the nearest health facility or contacting KCCA’s toll-free line,” the letter signed by Charles Bonnie Maginot, the Acting Director of Education and Social Services, read in part.
Conjunctivitis is an infection caused by a virus that typically clears up within a week without medical treatment and has symptoms that include redness in the eyes, pain, irritation, a swollen lining of the eye, and watery eyes.