Over 5,000 inmates infected with conjunctivitis in Uganda

KAMPALA, April 9 (Xinhua) — The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) announced on Tuesday that more than 5,000 inmates in the country have been diagnosed with conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye disease.

Frank Baine, the UPS spokesperson, said that the confirmed cases are spread across various facilities in Uganda.

Out of the 5,905 confirmed cases, 4,704 inmates have already recovered, leaving 1,201 active cases that are fortunately not in a critical stage. Baine said that the UPS is strictly adhering to the operating standards and guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health to manage the outbreak.

While visitations to all prisons remain open, Baine advised the public to stay away from prison facilities if they have contracted conjunctivitis. “Stay away until you recover. Continue washing your hands, avoid shaking hands, and hugging,” he said.

The Ministry of Health in Uganda announced the outbreak of conjunctivitis in the country last month. The infection is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact, sharing personal items such as towels, facial contact, or sharing of eye drops and eyeglasses.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness in the white of the eye, increased tears, thick yellow discharge over the eyelashes, itching, blurred vision and sensitivity to light, according to the ministry’s statement. ■