Red-Eye Disease Outbreak Closes Six Schools in Busia County
Six schools in Busia County closed due to an outbreak of red-eye disease affecting their students.
On Thursday, KUPPET Secretary General Moffat Okisai confirmed that the impacted students were placed in quarantine.
Teachers urged the government to supply red-eye treatments to school clinics to ensure prompt medical attention for students.
The outbreak affected several schools, including Amagoro Girls High School, Malaba Primary School, and Mundika Boys High School.
“We have numerous affected schools such as Amagoro Girls, Malaba Primary, Mundika Boys, Moding, and Nambale Boys,” Okisai mentioned.
He added, “Preventive measures are key. Quarantined students will resume classes in about two days after isolation.”
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The red-eye disease, known as conjunctivitis, first appeared in Mombasa County in late 2023, causing red or pink eyes.
Experts indicate that red-eye results from inflammation of the eyeball’s transparent membrane.
It can be triggered by viral or bacterial infections, as well as allergic reactions.
Symptoms include conjunctival swelling, excessive tearing, itchiness, pus or mucus discharge, and eyelid crusting.
Busia medical workers advised parents to seek professional help, emphasizing that home treatment is ineffective.
In February, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura explained that the disease spreads through personal contact and contaminated surfaces.
Mwaura noted, “Characterized by red, watery eyes, this highly contagious form of conjunctivitis is not typically severe.”
Kenyans should avoid face-touching, practice frequent hand washing, disinfect surfaces, and not share personal items like towels.
Red-Eye Disease Outbreak Closes Six Schools in Busia County
