South Sudan’s national ministry of health on Monday formally declared an outbreak of conjunctivitis, commonly known as red eye disease, in the border town of Nimule in Eastern Equatoria State and Juba City.

Addressing Journalists at a press conference in Juba, National Health Minister Yolanda Awel said the disease was first detected in Nimule Payam of Magwi County.

“The Ministry of Health would like to inform the general public of an outbreak of conjunctivitis, commonly known as red eye disease, in the Republic of South Sudan. The outbreak fast started in Nimule Payam, Magwi County,” she said. “This outbreak was first detected among travelers from Uganda where similar cases have been reported and an outbreak of conjunctivitis declared by the Ministry of Health of Uganda.”

The minister said her ministry has currently heightened surveillance at the border to identify suspected cases and to collect samples to confirm the causative agent and manage suspected cases.

“As of 16 April 2024, a total of 382 suspected cases were screened and managed, 297 at Nimule port of entry and 85 at Nimule Hospital and at the moment, cases are also reported in Juba,” Awel said.

Conjunctivitis is normally characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and lines the eyelids and can be caused by various factors including viral and bacterial infections, seasonal allergies, and reactions to eye medications among others.

Viral conjunctivitis, the most common form, is highly contagious and can be spread from person to person through direct contact, sharing of personal items such as towels or pillowcases, facial contact, or sharing of eyedrops or eyeglasses.

According to Minister Awel, symptoms of the disease include redness in the white of the eyes or inner eyelid, increased tears, thick yellow discharge over the eyelashes, itching, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. The contagious period is within the first 10 to 12 days but infection can last up to three weeks.

“The Ministry of Health with support from partners and in close collaboration with state health ministries and County Health Departments have initiated several measures including promoting personal hygiene and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) activities in Nimule, strengthening surveillance, managing and treating affected individuals, sensitizing the public about the disease and prevention measures, and orienting health care workers on investigating and responding to cases of red eye disease,” Awel stated.  “The Ministry of Health urges the public to adhere to high sanitation standards using the following preventive measures such as washing hands frequently with clean water and soap, avoiding contact with infected individuals, particularly touching the eyes and shaking hands.”

Other preventive measures include Refraining from sharing items with infected persons, such as pillows, washcloths, towels, eye drops, or eyeglasses.

“Those with the infection should visit the nearest health facility for supportive treatment. The public is advised not to panic but remain calm and observe all the prevention measures listed above,” Awel advised. “The more at-risk populations at schools, universities, prisons, IDP/Refugee Camps are urged to be vigilant and report all suspected cases to the national outbreak hotline 6666 or the nearest health facility.”