By Tolit Ivan
Gulu City Health Department has confirmed the outbreak of conjunctivitis, commonly known as Red Eye disease in four primary schools in the city.
A total of 391 cases of red eyes diseases have been registered in these four primary schools since Easter period. Of these cases, 200 were registered at El Shaddai Primary School, 54 at Mary Immaculate Primary School, 50 at St Michael Primary School, 6 at Credo Nursery and Primary School and 18 among teachers and parents.
Jane Francis Okili Amongin, the Resident City commissioner who doubles as the Taskforce Chairperson, confirmed the outbreak on Monday saying all the victims are undergoing treatment, adding that schools that have completed their end of term examinations, should close for first term holidays with immediate effect.
Conjunctivitis is a highly contagious infection that affects the covering of the eyeball (white part) and the inside of the eyelid. The disease can spread from person to person through hand to eye contact, sharing of personal items, such as towels or pillowcases, facial contact, or sharing eye drops or eyeglasses, according to information from the Ministry of Health.
A total of 7,596 cases of red eye disease have so far been detected in the country, with the Uganda Prison Services recording the largest number at 5,897 (78%)
