Panama: Conjunctivitis epidemic continues /update 2

Event

A viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) epidemic - official declared in early August - continues, although the Panamanian Ministry of Health has said that case rates appear to be on the decline. Between January and mid-September, nearly 75,000 cases were reported nationwide. The worst-hit areas have been Panama City (17,300 cases), San Miguelito (14,050), Panamá Oeste (12,313), and Colón (7057). The outbreak has been described as the worst in the country over the past 80 years.

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 reported outbreaks of the disease since 2016, notably the Dominican Republic. 

Advice

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