Government Launches Probe into Kampala Red Eye Outbreak Amid 954 Cumulative Cases

The Ministry of Health, through Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze, Director of Public Health, has launched investigations to determine the cause of the current outbreak of Red Eye Disease in Kampala Metropolitan areas.

On Thursday, Dr. Kyabayinze has indicated that the infection could stem from either viral or bacterial sources, and efforts are underway to identify the precise cause.

He is urging the public to remain vigilant and adopt proper hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and social distancing, to mitigate the spread of the disease.

Kyabayinze says avoiding direct contact with infected individuals and refraining from sharing items with infected persons, such as pillows, washcloths, towels, eye drops, or eyeglasses will also prevent further spread.

He has called on the public to remain vigilant and report all suspected cases to the nearest health facilities or call the Ministry of Health toll line on 0800-100-066.

The affected areas within Kampala include Nakawa and Rubaga divisions, while eight prison facilities, including Luzira Upper Prison and Murchison Bay Prison, have also been affected.

He clarifies that recent surveillance and laboratory reports, show suspected cases of conjunctivitis have emerged within schools, prompting the collection of samples from affected individuals for bacterial and viral testing within Uganda. As of March 13, 2024, a total of 954 cumulative cases have been registered, with an incidence of 353.

In addition, affected prison facilities have reported a cumulative total of 790 cases, with 711 individuals declared as recovered, indicating a recovery rate of 90%. The majority of incident cases are attributed to new inmates admitted by police, initiating a cascade of transmission within custody.

Kyabayinze says this outbreak has prompted joint surveillance efforts between the Kampala City Council Authority and the Ministry of Health.

According to Kyabayinze, to control the spread of the disease, the Ministry of Health has implemented various measures, including promoting personal hygiene, strengthening surveillance, managing affected individuals, and sensitizing the public about the disease and prevention methods.

This development follows Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) alerts to educational Institutions on red eye disease outbreak.

In a communication dated March 13, KCCA notified all head teachers and principals of both government and private educational institutions about an outbreak of conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as Red Eye Disease, within schools across the Kampala metropolitan area.

Charles Bonnie Maginot, Acting Director of Education and Social Services, disclosed that the infection has already affected numerous schools, prompting urgent action. Maginot urged schools to educate students on infection prevention measures, including frequent handwashing, avoiding eye touching, refraining from handshakes and close contact, and implementing visitor screening protocols.

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the thin, clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and lining the inside of the eyelid. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants.