Urgent Eyecare Advisory: Pink Eye Surge Hits South Africa

Stethoscope and pen in doctor’s pocket

South Africans, particularly those residing in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), are being strongly advised to prioritize careful eye care to mitigate the spread of conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye.

Since January, KZN has witnessed a significant surge in the number of reported cases, with figures now peaking at approximately 14,000.

With the conclusion of the Easter weekend, many holidaymakers who flocked to KZN have returned to their respective homes, sparking concerns that the infection could potentially proliferate to other provinces.

Naeema Badat, an optometrist, stresses the importance of preventive measures.

“Bacterial conjunctivitis is typically linked to bacterial infections, which may stem from various sources such as common colds, flu, and other bacterial strains. It is crucial to refrain from touching your eyes with unwashed hands to minimize the risk of contracting and spreading bacterial conjunctivitis. Additionally, maintaining meticulous hygiene practices is paramount. This includes regular lid scrubs or the use of wipes, readily available at pharmacies or chemists, particularly in the morning and evening.”

Taking into account the surge in conjunctivitis cases in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) since January, with numbers now peaking at around 14,000, South Africans, especially those residing in this region, are being urged to be vigilant about eye health to prevent the spread of the infection, commonly known as pink eye.

Following the conclusion of the Easter weekend, many holidaymakers who visited KZN have returned to their homes in various provinces, raising concerns about the potential spread of the infection beyond KZN’s borders.

Optometrist Naeema Badat underscores the importance of taking precautions against conjunctivitis.

“Bacterial conjunctivitis is typically caused by bacterial infections that can originate from various sources, including common colds, flu, and other bacteria. It is essential to avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands to minimize the risk of contracting and spreading bacterial conjunctivitis. Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as regular lid scrubs or using wipes available at pharmacies or chemists, especially in the morning and evening, is crucial.”

In light of the sharp increase in conjunctivitis cases, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) since January, with figures now peaking at around 14,000, South Africans are being urged to prioritize diligent eye care to curb the spread of the infection, commonly referred to as pink eye.

With the Easter weekend drawing to a close, many holidaymakers who had flocked to KZN have dispersed to their respective homes across various provinces, prompting concerns over the potential dissemination of the infection beyond the borders of KZN.

Optometrist Naeema Badat emphasizes the importance of taking preventative measures.

“Bacterial conjunctivitis typically arises from bacterial infections, which can be contracted from various sources such as the common cold, influenza, and other bacterial strains. It is imperative to refrain from touching your eyes with unclean hands to mitigate the risk of both contracting and transmitting bacterial conjunctivitis. Furthermore, maintaining stringent hygiene practices, such as regular lid scrubs or utilizing wipes obtainable from pharmacies or chemists, particularly during the morning and evening, is crucial.”

Given the notable escalation in cases of conjunctivitis, particularly within KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) since January, with the current peak hovering around 14,000, South Africans are being urged to exercise heightened vigilance regarding eye health to stem the spread of the infection, commonly known as pink eye.

Following the conclusion of the Easter weekend, numerous holidaymakers who had ventured to KZN have dispersed to their homes scattered across diverse provinces, raising apprehensions regarding the potential transmission of the infection to regions beyond the confines of KZN.

Optometrist Naeema Badat underscores the significance of adopting precautionary measures.

“Bacterial conjunctivitis predominantly arises from bacterial infections, which may emanate from diverse origins such as the common cold, influenza, and other bacterial strains. It is imperative to refrain from touching your eyes with unclean hands to minimize the likelihood of contracting and disseminating bacterial conjunctivitis. Moreover, upholding meticulous hygiene standards, including regular lid scrubs or utilizing wipes accessible at pharmacies or chemists, particularly during the morning and evening, is paramount.”