The Ministry of Health and Environment wishes to notify the public of an outbreak of Viral Conjunctivitis called Red Eye in the Health Districts of Marigot, Portsmouth and Roseau. The ministry is also reporting an increase in chickenpox but said it is not an outbreak at this point. To date, the Red Eye 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. 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.
Red Eye is spread easily from person to person. The germs are passed on to others through hand-to-hand contact when hands are not washed after contact with discharge from an infected eye.