A collage featuring school students walking on the road (left) and others riding in a matatu (right). PHOTO | Courtesy
In Summary:
- Six schools in Busia County have sent students home due to an outbreak of red-eye disease.
- Affected students have been quarantined, and there are calls for the government to supply treatment to school dispensaries.
Six schools in Busia County have sent their learners home following an outbreak of red-eye disease, also known as conjunctivitis.
The outbreak has affected several schools including Amagoro Girls High School, Malaba Primary School, and Mundika Boys High School.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Secretary General Moffat Okisai confirmed that the affected students were quarantined.
Okisai urged the government to distribute treatments to school dispensaries to enable prompt medical attention for students.
“Quite a number of schools have been affected. We have Amagoro Girls, Malaba Primary, Mundika Boys, Moding, and Nambale Boys affected,” Okisai stated.
“It is just a matter of taking preventive measures. Affected students have been quarantined and isolated from the rest. After two days or so, they will resume the learning exercise.”
A week ago, the red-eye disease, which initially broke out in Teso North sub-county, Busia County, last month, had then spread to several other sub-counties within the region. Harriet Kavere, Busia County Eye Diseases Coordinator, reported that the disease had then been detected in Teso South, Nambale, Matayos, and Samia. The number of those infected had also tripled.
According to Kavere, the disease is caused by a virus known as adenovirus, which leads to redness, swelling, and fluid discharge from the eyes.
“Someone who is infected feels like there are small stones in the eyes, and they itch constantly,” she explained.
The red-eye disease, characterized by red or pink eyes, first emerged in Mombasa County at the end of 2023.
It is caused by the inflammation of the transparent membrane in the eyeball and can result from viral or bacterial infections, or allergic reactions.
Symptoms include swelling, increased tear production, itchiness, discharge of pus or mucus, and crusting of the eyelids or lashes.
Medical workers in Busia have advised parents to seek professional medical help for the affected students, noting that home remedies are insufficient.
In February, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura emphasized that the disease spreads through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.
“The disease spreads by touching the eyes of infected persons or contaminated surfaces then touching your eyes. It is characterized by red, watery eyes and is a highly contagious but generally not severe form of conjunctivitis,” Mwaura explained.
To prevent the spread, Kenyans are advised to avoid touching their faces, wash hands frequently, disinfect surfaces, and avoid sharing personal items such as towels.