*******************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has reminded people to guard against acute conjunctivitis (red-eye syndrome) and adopt healthy habits when going swimming.
The latest sentinel surveillance data released by CHP today (September 14) showed that the consultation rates of acute conjunctivitis at the general out-patient clinics had increased to 2.8 per 1,000 last week from the corresponding figures of 1.8 and 2.0 recorded for the previous two weeks ending August 25 and September 1 respectively.
A CHP spokesman said seven outbreaks in institutions had been reported to the CHP so far this year, affecting 72 people.
He urged people to strictly observe personal hygiene as outbreaks of acute conjunctivitis tended to occur in summer, particularly in August and September.
Having sent letters to doctors and institutions alerting them the risk of acute conjunctivitis, the spokesman said CHP was sending another letter to schools, kindergartens and childcare centres today to remind them about measures to prevent acute conjunctivitis and other infectious diseases upon commencement of the new academic year.
Acute conjunctivitis is a contagious condition mostly caused by bacteria and viruses. The symptoms are irritation, tearing, pain and redness of the eyes. In most cases, full recovery can be expected within one to two weeks with proper treatment.
Transmission usually occurs through direct contact with discharges from the eyes or upper respiratory tracts of infected people, or indirectly through contaminated fingers, clothing and other articles. Outbreaks of acute conjunctivitis among swimmers in swimming pools have also occurred overseas.
To prevent acute conjunctivitis, people 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:
* people 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 children on bathroom breaks.
Patients with symptoms of acute conjunctivitis are advised to:
* seek early treatment from doctors;
* 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 going to swimming pools.
People may call the Central Health Education Unit hotline 2833 0111 or visit CHP's website http://www.chp.gov.hk for more information.
Ends/Friday, September 14, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:45
NNNN
