The KwaZulu Natal (KZN) Department of Health has urged people in the eThekwini District not to panic amid the surge in cases of conjunctivitis, known as pink eye. So far 20 065 cases have been reported in the eThekwini District since 26 February.

NOT AN OUTBREAK

KZN Department spokesperson Mduduzi Ncalane confirmed that there are reported pink eye cases across the province. Ncalane said that it was too early to call the reported pink eye cases an outbreak as only the national department can determine if the disease is an outbreak or not. Ncalane said that the pathogen causing pink eye around KZN has been identified but they are still waiting for the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and for the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) for results. "The organism has been identified but we still waiting for the results from the NICD and NHLS with results which will determine if the disease is classified as an outbreak or not. So now we are referring to it as a transmission disease,"

CONTAGIOUS

Ncalane said conjunctivitis can be very contagious. "Each type of germ can be spread from person to person in different ways. Usually, germs can spread from an infected person to other people through close personal contact and this includes touching or shaking hands. It can also be infected from respiratory droplets through coughing or sneezing as well as by touching surfaces that have been contaminated with germs, and then touching your eyes before washing your hands," he said. MEC Nomagugu Simelane has urged the public to avoid pink eye by practicing good personal hygiene, such as regular hand washing, avoid sharing face cloths, face cosmetics and pillows. "Now that we have confirmed cases of Pink Eye in eThekwini District, we are urging those who have its symptoms not to sit at home, but to visit their nearest clinic. During the era of COVID-19, we had developed several habits that promoted good hygiene, such as regular hand washing with soap and water or sanitizer. Those are some of the things we need to re-orient ourselves with." SImelane said.