Ecuador: Conjunctivitis outbreak in Guayaquil

Event

Case rates of conjunctivitis (pink eye) have increased significantly in the Guayaquil area since the beginning of February. Thousands of cases had been reported at hospitals across the city as of February 15 and case rates continue to spike.

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 Belize are advised to minimize direct contact with others (e.g. avoid handshakes) and to wash hands frequently.