Cuba: Nationwide hemorrhagic conjunctivitis outbreaks

Event

The Cuban Ministry of Health is on alert due to ongoing outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye.” The worst-hit areas so far have been the provinces of La Habana, Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, and Holguín, although the government has warned that the risk exists nationwide. The outbreak is believed to have started in May 2017.

Various other Caribbean countries have also been reporting outbreaks of the disease since 2016, notably the Dominican Republic and Haiti. 

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, discharge, discomfort, sensitively to light, subconjunctival hemorrhaging, and itchiness. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can be caused by bacterial or viral infections; only the bacterial version is treatable.

Advice

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