The Uganda Prisons Service has said they currently have over 1200 cases of infection with a contagious eye disease, conjunctivitis (red eyes) the various prisons around the country.
According to the Uganda prisons spokesperson, Frank Baine, since the outbreak of red eyes, they have so far registered 5905 cases,4704 of whom have successfully recovered.
“The active cases of red eyes are 1201. Fortunately, none is critical and we have not registered any death about that. We are continuing to adhere to SOPs and guidelines by the Ministry of Health,” Baine said.
The prisons spokesperson said the cases have been reports at their stations including Upper Prison, Murchison Bay, Kampala Remand,Luzira women, Kassanda, Kagadi, Kamuli,Lira Main, Erute, Kigo Main, Gulu Main, Jinja Main, Mbarara Main, Isingiro , Butuntumula, Nakasongola, Ngoma, Kawuga, Baamunanika, Ssentema, Kiyunga , Ntenjeru and Kitalya Mini Max.
“ The situation is under our control .We wish to continue to request the public that whereas visitations are on, if you are sick, don’t come to contaminate the prison community. Stay away until you are well.”
Earlier this year, an outbreak of conjunctivitis was reported in Kampala, initially starting with schools.
The signs and symptoms include itchy eyes, reddish eyes among others.
However, members of the public have since been advised to ensure hygiene by washing hands with sopa regularly but also avoiding to touch eyes.
