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Amoth to Kenyans: Seek medical attention if you exhibit severe red eye symptoms

The ministry confirmed that more cases had been reported in other parts of the country.

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by MAUREEN KINYANJUI

News31 January 2024 - 08:46

In Summary


  • The ministry called on Kenyans to wash their hands more frequently and keep their hands off the face.
  • The public has also been advised against sharing towels with family members who are infected.
An image of a red eye with conjunctivitis

The Ministry of Health has called on Kenyans who exhibit severe symptoms of red eye disease to seek urgent medical attention.

This is even as the ministry confirmed that more cases of the disease had been reported in other parts of the country.

An outbreak of the disease has been reported in counties in the Coastal region which include Mombasa, Malindi and Lamu.

Acting Health DG Patrick Amoth in a statement on Wednesday said one case had been reported in Kisii county and three in Nairobi.

"The Ministry of Health wishes to report an outbreak of ab eye disease presenting with red watery eyes in the Coastal region. This disease is most likely due to epidemic serotype, which spreads very fast but rarely does it cause long-term complications to the eye," Amoth said.

"It is usually self-limiting and therefore needs not to cause any alarm."

The ministry called on Kenyans to wash their hands more frequently and keep their hands off the face.

The public has also been advised against sharing towels with family members who are infected.

Similarly, they are required to disinfect high-touch surfaces, especially in cases where a family member is infected.

Should you get infected, Amoth has advised that you take time off your work or school to avoid spreading the disease to other people.

"The disease is spread by touching the eyes of infected persons or contaminated surfaces then touching your eyes," the DG warned.

Those with mild symptoms are advised to apply a cold compress over their eyes with a wet face towel.

The ministry has further warned against self-medicating by those infected or with symptoms of the disease.


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