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Madi Okollo, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | At least 100 pupils of Ewanga Primary School in Ewanga Sub County, Madi Okollo District, missed their end-of-term one examinations due to an outbreak of conjunctivitis, commonly known as red eye disease. School authorities report that the most affected pupils are those in the lower classes.
As a preventive measure to contain the spread of this highly contagious eye disease, the school closed prematurely before May 3, 2024, the official date for term 1 holidays. Musa Ocima, the Parent’s Teacher’s Association-PTA chairperson of the school, explains that the disease has also affected teachers, with three instructors diagnosed with red eyes.
He appeals to the district health department to intervene urgently to prevent further spread within the community.
Florence Alekuru, a teacher at the school, reveals that they made the decision to send learners home early after discovering that 93 pupils were infected with red eyes, especially among those in lower classes due to high enrollment.
Conjunctivitis is a highly contagious infection affecting the covering of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid. While it is commonly caused by a virus, bacteria, allergens, or certain eye medications can also trigger it. According to information from the Ministry of Health, the disease spreads through hand-to-eye contact, sharing personal items like towels or pillowcases, facial contact, or sharing eye drops or eyeglasses.
Mary Abiria, a parent at Ewanga Primary School, reports that three of her children are battling the disease after contracting it from the school. She notes that the illness has since affected other family members. Alex Abiribale, the Sub County Chief of Ewanga, discloses that more residents have been infected with the red eye disease.
In the past month, Uganda has reported over 7,500 cases of red eye infections across the country, according to information from the Ministry of Health.
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