Nicaragua: Large-scale conjunctivitis outbreak

Event

The Nicaraguan Ministry of Health is on alert due to a large-scale conjunctivitis outbreak throughout the country. In total, more than 40,000 viral cases of the disease - also known as “pink eye” - have been reported nationwide in 2017 as of Thursday, September 14, including more than 16,000 cases reported in the second week of September alone. The worst-hit areas include Managua, Leon, RACS, Rivas, Chinandega, Bilwi, and Granada.

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.

Numerous other Latin American and Caribbean countries have also been reporting outbreaks of the disease since late 2016.

Advice

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