Conjunctivitis has the potential to spread into an epidemic.

Increased in adults and children

On August 31st, Ms. Mai Thi Anh Dao (residing in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City) brought her 3-year-old son to Children's Hospital 2 with swollen, red eyes and constant discharge. Four days prior, the child had exhibited symptoms of eye discharge, redness, tearing, and constant eye rubbing. Despite Ms. Dao regularly using saline solution eye drops, the condition did not improve and showed signs of worsening. After examination, doctors determined the child had conjunctivitis…

Dr. Nguyen Dinh Trung Chinh, a specialist in ophthalmology at the Interdisciplinary Department of Children's Hospital 2, said that at this time, the hospital frequently receives many children with acute conjunctivitis, including some with accompanying bleeding. Most children with conjunctivitis recover quickly after treatment as prescribed by a doctor, but if left untreated or treated late, it can lead to complications such as corneal ulceration, significantly affecting vision.

Doctors at Children's Hospital 2 in Ho Chi Minh City examine a child with conjunctivitis (pink eye).

Not only children, but many adults have also been suffering from conjunctivitis recently. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Luan, from the Ophthalmology Department of the University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City, reported that the number of conjunctivitis cases examined at the hospital has shown an increase; on average, doctors examine 15-20 patients per session, whereas previously there were only a few cases.

At the Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital, the number of patients seeking treatment for conjunctivitis has also increased in recent days, with many cases requiring emergency care due to complications. Ms. Le Thuy Van (47 years old, residing in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City) said that a few days ago, her eyes were swollen, painful, and had discharge. Despite using eye drops and saline solution, the condition did not improve. To avoid affecting her work, Ms. Van went to the Eye Hospital for treatment. There, doctors concluded that she had acute conjunctivitis and required long-term treatment.

Increased incidence of refractive errors in children.

Along with conjunctivitis, the Ho Chi Minh City Eye Hospital has received many children seeking refractive error examinations in the past three months. Ahead of the new school year, the number of children seeking refractive error checkups has increased by 20-30% compared to normal. Parents should take their children for examination if they notice their children frequently squinting, tilting their necks or heads, having difficulty seeing writing on the blackboard, writing incorrectly, sitting too close to the edge of their notebooks, skipping lines or struggling to read, experiencing headaches, eye strain, or watery eyes. This will ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Easily spreads into an epidemic.

According to Dr. Nguyen Thanh Luan, there are many causes of conjunctivitis (pink eye), with viruses being the most common. Cases of viral conjunctivitis often present with symptoms such as watery eyes, clear discharge, swollen eyelids, and a gritty feeling. In addition, some people may experience conjunctivitis due to bacterial infections like Haemophilus influenzae or Staphylococcus, causing watery eyes, swollen eyelids, and yellow or green discharge. Furthermore, some people may be allergic to pet dander, pollen, or dust. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious through various means: direct contact with eye secretions via towels, clothing, pool water, etc., or through the hands of an infected person.

According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Bach Tuyet, a specialist at Children's Hospital 2, in young children, conjunctivitis can be accompanied by symptoms such as rhinitis, pharyngitis, respiratory tract inflammation, and mild fever. In particular, the disease can develop pseudomembranes causing bleeding, prolonging recovery. The disease usually starts a few hours to a few days after exposure to the source of infection. Initially, symptoms often appear in one eye, then spread to both eyes with manifestations such as: conjunctival hyperemia, a gritty or sand-like sensation in the eye, tearing, excessive eye discharge, and difficulty opening the eyes upon waking.

"Currently, the high humidity creates favorable conditions for viruses and bacteria to multiply rapidly, so conjunctivitis (pink eye) is more common during this time, especially during the transition from summer to autumn. When suffering from conjunctivitis, some people do not follow their doctor's instructions or self-treat, causing the disease to worsen and become more complicated, leading to dangerous complications," warned Dr. Nguyen Thi Bach Tuyet, a specialist in the field.

Experts note that folk remedies such as steaming with herbal water, using lemon drops, applying aloe vera leaves, or applying betel leaves to treat conjunctivitis can cause swelling and burns in the eyes. When suffering from conjunctivitis, patients should see an ophthalmologist and follow the doctor's treatment instructions.

To prevent and control the spread of the disease, doctors recommend that people should rinse their eyes daily with saline solution (0.9% Sodium Chloride) after going outdoors or swimming; avoid rubbing their eyes, nose, and mouth; and wash their hands frequently with soap and hand sanitizer. At school, work, and home, avoid direct and close contact with sick people, maintain good personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene; isolate sick people, and use separate items such as towels, washbasins, eyeglasses, and pillowcases.

Hanoi : Conjunctivitis outbreaks are increasing unusually.

According to Dr. Luu Quynh Anh, Deputy Head of the Ophthalmology Department at the National Children's Hospital, conjunctivitis (pink eye) usually appears in spring and summer and is easily spread into an epidemic. However, at the present time, the conjunctivitis epidemic is increasing unusually, with many children suffering from the disease experiencing dangerous complications. In the past month, the hospital's Ophthalmology Department has continuously received over 50 children per day with acute conjunctivitis, of which up to 20% have severe complications.

NGUYEN QUOC

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/benh-dau-mat-do-co-nguy-co-lan-thanh-dich-post704325.html