The National Ophthalmic Institute of Angola (IONA) registered, from the month of February until the 12th of March of the current year, one thousand and 182 cases of conjunctivitis, among which 211 are hemorrhagic, the institution’s clinical director told the newspaper OPAÍS , Carmen Van-Dúnem
The specialist said that her institution began to register a large number of patients in the last week of February of the current year, however, since then it has reported many cases of conjunctivitis, with greater emphasis on hemorrhagic conjunctivitis. As an example, Carmen Van-Dúnem said that last Tuesday, the 12th, technicians registered 37 patients with conjunctivitis, among which 20 were hemorrhagic.
IONA is registering hemorrhagic conjunctivitis more in children, especially those who attend daycare centers and schools, and in adults in a reduced number. “Generally, those who have hemorrhagic conjunctivitis are self-limited, they must isolate themselves, constantly wash their hands, sleep alone, not use materials or clothes from another family member, until the condition lasts”, he recommended.
On the other hand, he explained that hemorrhagic conjunctivitis is easily transmitted compared to others, but they rarely develop into a complication. This is no longer the case with bacterial conjunctivitis, which is the most dangerous. “Among viral conjunctivitis, the most contagious is hemorrhagic, for this reason, when someone is affected by this pathology they must take certain precautions, such as isolating themselves, constantly washing their hands, not touching their eyes, not putting them in their eyes. some medicine, just fresh water”, he recommended.
According to our interlocutor, if the disease persists and the patient notices that they are losing their vision or the bleeding is increasing, they should seek out a healthcare professional to be diagnosed. “Normally, you are advised to use an antibiotic if you have discharge or streaks, otherwise you should only use ice water bandages. Of the cases registered by IONA, few are advised to use antibiotics”, said Carmen Van-Dúnem.
