This is the season and time… In between the late rains and harmattan or harmattan and early rains…
What Is Apollo [Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis]?
Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (viral keratoconjunctivitis) is a highly contagious viral infection of the eye. Symptoms can last from 5 to 14 days. It is caused by adenoviruses and there is no specific treatment. However, the outbreaks can often be associated with bacteria, other viruses, allergies, or other irritations requiring treatment.
What Are The Symptoms Of Apollo?:
redness (“pink eye”)
swelling of the eyelids
sensitivity to light (photophobia)
clear, watery discharge (if yellowish discharge plz get to the eye clinic or hospital immediately)
blurred vision
eye pain, or a feeling that something is in your eye.
Starts with one eye first rare with both eyes at the same time
Occasionally, people may also get:
Fever
Headache
Extreme Tiredness
Swollen Lymph Nodes.
How is Apollo Spread?
Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is highly contagious and adenoviruses can live on surfaces for up to 30 days.
People get epidemic keratoconjunctivitis by coming into contact with tears or discharge from the eyes of an infected person and then touching their own eyes. This can happen by touching the hands of someone with the infection, or by touching contaminated surfaces or objects…
People are thought to be infectious from a day or two before the onset of symptoms until around 2 weeks after symptoms develop.
Who is At Risk?
Anyone can get epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. It is easily spread between people.
How is Apollo Prevented?
Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is a highly contagious disease and children should stay home from school until symptoms have resolved or until cleared by a doctor, whichever is earlier. However, healthcare workers should be clear of infection before returning to work.
If You Have Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis:
- Avoid touching your eyes whenever possible. If you do touch your eyes, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 seconds
- Avoid touching other people
- Throw away or carefully wash items (in hot water and detergent) that touch your eyes
- Do not share eye makeup or other items used on the eyes (e.g., towels, tissues, eye drops, eye medications)
- Use a separate towel and facecloth for each member of the household
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Use disposable tissues to blow your nose, sneeze, or cough.
If you visit another doctor or clinic, make sure you tell them that you have or have recently had epidemic keratoconjunctivitis so they can implement measures to prevent the spread of infection.
How is Apollo Treated?
There is no treatment available for epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, and it will usually go away by itself in around two weeks (this can range from one to six weeks). Paracetamol, cold packs, and cold showers help relieve symptoms. Specific treatment is available for the other forms of conjunctivitis which can co-exist with EKC or stand-alone (bacterial, allergic).
DO NOT SELF MEDICATE!
Edited by: Dr. Chiggy Nwosu, an Optometrist