RED-EYE! Busia County Schools Hit By Disease Outbreak As Gov’t Issues Warning
Six schools in Busia County closed due to a red-eye disease outbreak that affected pupils and students.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Secretary General Moffat Okisai confirmed that the affected students had been quarantined.
Teachers, as a result, challenged the government to distribute red-eye treatments to school dispensaries so that medics could treat students as soon as possible.
The outbreak affected several schools, including Amagoro Girls High School, Malaba Primary School, and Mundika Boys High School.
“Quite a number of schools have been affected. We have Amagoro Girls, Malaba Primary, Mundika Boys, Moding, and Nambale Boys have been affected,” Okisai stated.
“It is just a matter of us taking preventive measures. Affected students have just been quarantined and isolated from the rest and after two days or so, they will resume the learning exercise.”
The red-eye disease, also known as conjunctivitis, first appeared in Mombasa County at the end of 2023 now in Busia, with visible symptoms including red or pink eyes.
According to experts, red eyes are caused by inflammation of the transparent membrane in the eyeball.
Infections with viruses or bacteria can cause these diseases. Individuals experiencing an allergic reaction may also exhibit the symptoms.
Victims may also experience conjunctival swelling and increased tear production.
Other symptoms include itching, pus or mucus discharge, and crusting of the eyelids or lashes.
As a result, medical workers in Busia advised parents of affected students to seek professional help, stating that the disease cannot be treated at home.
In February, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura revealed that the disease can be transmitted by sharing personal effects or touching an infected person’s eyes.
“The disease is spread by touching the eyes of infected persons or contaminated surfaces then touching your eyes. This disease, characterized by red, watery eyes, has been identified as a form of conjunctivitis, which is highly contagious but generally not severe in nature,” Mwaura stated.
Kenyans should avoid touching their faces, frequently washing their hands, disinfecting surfaces, and not sharing personal items such as towels.
RED-EYE! Busia County Schools Hit By Disease Outbreak As Gov’t Issues Warning
