Malawi is facing a surge in cases of viral conjunctivitis, better known as pink eye disease, with over 15,900 confirmed cases reported as of Thursday.
According to Alvin Chidothi Phiri, Senior Health Promotion Officer at the Ministry of Health, the outbreak has spread to 27 of the country’s 28 districts.
Phiri disclosed this during a media interface with members of Nyika Media Club in Mzuzu.
While no deaths have been recorded, cases of vision impairment have been reported in some districts, notably in Karonga.
Phiri has since advised the public to refrain from handshaking and to maintain good hygiene practices to prevent further spread of the disease.
Symptoms of the disease include pink or red discoloration in the white part of the eye, itching, persistent tearing, eye discharge, swelling of the eye lining, visual disturbances and eye pain.
By George Mkandawire
