The Ministry of Health has officially confirmed a total of 790 cases of conjunctivitis, commonly known as red eyes disease, in schools and prison facilities located in Kampala and its surrounding areas.
Out of the reported cases, 711 individuals have successfully recovered, resulting in a recovery rate of 90 percent.
This outbreak has primarily affected several schools in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, as well as eight prison facilities in Nakawa and Rubaga divisions within Kampala district.
Dr Daniel Kyabayinze, from the Ministry of Health, said the affected prisons include Upper Luzira, Murchison Bay, Kassanda, Kaweeri, Lira Main, and others.
“Based on surveillance and laboratory reports, suspected cases have been identified within the schools,” said Dr Kyabayinze in a statement he signed on behalf of the Director-General of Health Service.
“Samples from these individuals have been collected for bacterial and viral laboratory testing within Uganda. As of March 14, a total of 954 cumulative cases have been registered, with an incidence of 353,”
Dr Kyabayinze emphasised that ongoing laboratory testing is being conducted to determine the causative agents responsible for these cases.
Dr Kyabayinze reassured the public that joint surveillance efforts between the Kampala Capital City Authority and Ministry of Health are actively underway, highlighting their collaborative response to contain the outbreak.
Regarding the contagious nature of viral conjunctivitis, Dr Kyabayinze stated that “Viral conjunctivitis, the most common form, is highly contagious and can spread from person to person through direct contact.”
He urged the public to take preventive measures seriously by maintaining high sanitation standards and avoiding direct contact with infected individuals.
To curb the spread of the disease, the Ministry of Health has implemented various measures, including promoting personal hygiene and strengthening surveillance in affected areas.
“We urge the public to adhere to preventive measures such as frequent handwashing and refraining from sharing personal items,” reiterated Dr Kyabayinze.
The MoH also stressed the importance of vigilance and prompt reporting of suspected cases.
“The public is encouraged 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,”he stated.
On Wednesday,KCCA confirmed the outbreak of conjunctivitis disease in schools within the Kampala metropolitan area.
In a letter dated March 13, addressed to all head teachers and principals in government and private education institutions in Kampala, the Authority informed them of the outbreak of the disease in the region.
According to health experts, conjunctivitis is an infection caused by a virus.
It is contagious but usually clears up within a week without medical treatment.
Common symptoms include redness, pain, irritation, swelling of the conjunctiva and eyelids, increased tear production, and a feeling of a foreign body or an urge to rub the eyes.
