Health-Fitness — St. John
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DOH Issues Advisory on Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Department of Health Commissioner Julia Sheen is advising the public of recent reports of conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pink eye, in the territory and is urging residents to seek medical attention if they feel they have contracted the infection.
While pink eye can be an irritating condition, it is usually harmless to one’s sight and typically doesn't require extensive or emergency treatment. However, because it can be highly contagious for as long as two weeks after signs and symptoms begin, it's important to seek diagnosis and treatment early.
Parents are urged to keep children with pink eye from childcare facilities or school until symptoms have cleared, according to Commissioner Sheen.
It is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the eyelid and part of the eyeball. It is characterized by redness and a gritty sensation in the eye, along with itching. Often, a discharge forms a crust on eyelashes at night, according to DOH epidemiologist Dr. Eugene Tull.
“Pink eye can be caused by bacteria or viruses,” Tull said. “Pink eye caused by bacteria responds quickly to treatment. Pink eye caused by a virus is not treatable with medication but will go away after the disease has run its course, usually after a week.” The most common symptoms include:
- Redness in one or both eyes;
- Itchiness in one or both eyes;
- A gritty feeling in one or both eyes;
- A discharge in one or both eyes that forms a crust during the night
- Tearing
Residents should avoid spreading infection by taking these simple steps:
- Avoid touching the face
- Avoid shaking hands
- Wash hands frequently
- Do not share towels or washcloths
- Do not reuse handkerchiefs (using a tissue is best)
- Disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs and counters with diluted beach solution
- Don't swim (some bacteria can be spread in the water) in swimming pools.
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