Honduras: Conjunctivitis outbreak in the northwest

Event

An outbreak of conjunctivitis is hitting Cortés department (northwest of the country), with more than 1500 cases reported since the beginning of the year (as of June 14), including more than 300 cases over the past three weeks. Many of the cases have been reported in Choloma, Villanueva, and Puerto Cortés.

Context

Conjunctivitis is an eye infection where the thin membrane that covers the white of the eye and the interior of the eye lids - the conjunctiva - becomes inflamed. Symptoms include watery eyes and discharge, discomfort, and itchiness. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can be caused by bacterial or viral infections; the bacterial version is treatable with antibiotics.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to minimize contact with others (e.g. avoid handshakes) and to wash hands frequently.