Honduras: Major conjunctivitis outbreak continues /update 4

Event

The Honduran Ministry of Health remains on alert amid an ongoing viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) outbreak. An additional 9817 cases have been reported in recent weeks (as of October 24), indicating a slight acceleration of transmission rates. Since the beginning of the year, at least 72,000 conjunctivitis cases have been reported nationwide. The worst-hit cities so far have been Tegucigalpa (the capital) and San Pedro Sula.

Context

Conjunctivitis is an eye infection in which 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, sensitivity to light, subconjunctival hemorrhaging, and itchiness. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can be caused by bacterial or viral infections; the bacterial version is treatable with antibiotics.

Numerous other Caribbean and Central American countries have reported major outbreaks of the disease since late 2016. 

Advice

Individuals in Honduras are advised to minimize direct contact with others (e.g. avoid handshakes), wash hands frequently, and avoid touching their eyes.