2004-07-22
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 22) reminded members of the public to guard against acute conjunctivitis (red-eye syndrome) and swim healthy.
A CHP spokesman said even though the sentinel surveillance data showed that the consultation rate for red-eye cases in the past few weeks remained low and stable, the public especially swimmers should pay attention to personal hygiene as outbreaks of acute conjunctivitis may occur in summer.
"Acute conjunctivitis is a contagious condition mostly caused by bacteria and viruses. The symptoms are irritation, tearing, pain and redness of the eyes. The infection is preventable. People being infected can make full recovery within one to two weeks with proper treatment," the spokesman said.
Patients with symptoms are advised to:
* seek early treatment from doctors;
* take adequate rest and stop attending child care centres, schools or workplaces before recovery;
* properly dispose articles soiled with eye or respiratory secretions to prevent transmission of infection;
* avoid using public leisure facilities e.g. swimming pools.
Members of the public and travellers are advised to pay attention to personal hygiene especially:
* avoid sharing towels and toilet articles;
* minimise hand-to-eye contact;
* wash hands thoroughly before and after contact with eyes;
* avoid sharing eye droppers, eye medicines, eye make-up and other items that may come into contact with the eyes.
Swimmers are advised to practice healthy swimming behaviour to prevent spread of illness at swimming pools:
* persons suffering from infectious diseases, especially when having diarrhoea, red-eye syndrome or hand-foot-mouth disease, should avoid entering the swimming pool area;
* do not swallow pool water;
* take a shower before swimming and wash hands after using the toilet or changing diapers;
* take kids on bathroom breaks.
Members of the public may call the Central Health Education Unit hotline 2833 0111 or visit CHP's website http://www.chp.gov.hk for more information.
Ends/Thursday, July 22, 2004