The Uganda Prisons Service has reported a significant surge in cases of conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as “red eyes,” spanning across multiple correctional facilities nationwide.
Frank Baine, the official spokesperson for the Uganda prisons, disclosed that since the onset of the outbreak, they have meticulously documented a total of 5905 cases, with a commendable 4704 individuals successfully recuperating from the ailment.
Presently, the prisons are grappling with 1201 active cases, albeit reassuringly, none of which are deemed critical or have resulted in fatalities. Baine underscored the unwavering commitment of the prisons to strictly adhere to the prescribed guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued by the Ministry of Health to mitigate the spread of the infection.
The affected prisons encompass a broad spectrum of correctional facilities, including but not limited to Upper Prison, Murchison Bay, Kampala Remand, Luzira Women, and numerous others scattered across the country.
In light of the prevailing circumstances, Baine issued a poignant plea to the general public, urging individuals to exercise prudence and refrain from visiting the prisons if they exhibit any signs of illness, thereby averting the risk of further contagion within the prison community.
The initial emergence of the conjunctivitis outbreak was noted in Kampala, primarily within educational institutions, thereby necessitating swift and decisive action to curb its spread. The manifestation of symptoms, characterized by itchy and reddened eyes, served as a harbinger of the impending health crisis.
Concurrently, the public has been implored to uphold meticulous hygiene practices, including regular handwashing with soap and water, coupled with the conscientious avoidance of touching one’s eyes to preempt any potential transmission of the infection. This collective vigilance and concerted effort are deemed indispensable in containing and ultimately extinguishing the spread of conjunctivitis within the broader community.