An alarming increase in the number of cases haemorrhagic conjunctivitis has gripped Mozambique’s Sofala province, state radio reported here on Friday.
Quoting health officials, Radio Mozambique reported that the number of cases of the disease has surged past 150, with the city of Beira reporting a staggering 112 patients treated at the Central Hospital of Beira on March 5.
Haemorrhagic conjunctivitis is a severe eye infection characterised by bleeding in and around the eye, leading to a bright red appearance; swollen and painful eyelids; and fluid-filled blister-like growths on the eye surface.
Provincial health officials are yet to pinpoint the cause of the outbreak, with Central Hospital of Beira clinical director Ana Tambo warning that the situation could worsen unless there is public compliance with precautionary measures.
She urged residents to urgently seek assistance if you experience symptoms of haemorrhagic conjunctivitis.
Haemorrhagic conjunctivitis is highly contagious and is spread through touching an infected surface or object and then touching one’s eyes; can be spread through infected particles in the air that land on or around eyes; or through contact with infected waste.
JN/APA