Thailand ‘pink eye’ outbreak affects 16,000 since Jan. 1
The Thailand Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) is reporting an outbreak in conjunctivitis, or “pink eye” that has affected some 16,000 people since the beginning of 2014.
According to the National News Bureau of Thailand Friday:
DDC Director-General Sopon Mekthon, says the Bureau of Epidemiology (BOE) reported the number of pink eye infected patients from January1- February 16, was 15,963 cases from 77 provinces, a ratio of 25.09 to 100,000 people. Most cases were found in people between 35-44 years old (11.96%), followed by those 45-54 years old (11.53%), and the 25-34 year old group (11.30%). Most cases are from undisclosed occupations (30%), followed by farmers (23.8%) and students (19.8%). The five provinces found to have the most infected patients include Pattalung, Pattani, Narathiwat, Prachinburi and Songkhla.
The report notes that outbreaks of the eye infection occur every 2-3 years.
Bad case of pink eye
Image/Video Screen Shot
Pink eye, or Conjunctivitis, is a common eye ailment caused by an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the clear, thin membrane that covers the white portion of the eyes as well as the inner surface of the eyelids.
The three common causes of pink eye are viral, bacterial and allergic. The symptoms of each form are listed below:
Viral Conjunctivitis Symptoms
• Watery eyes accompanied with discharge are usual.
• Discomfort in the eye with itchiness maybe present.
• The infection usually affects one eye but can move to both.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis Symptoms
• Watery eyes followed with yellow or green discharge are natural occurrences.
• Irritation can be found along with an itchy feeling.
• The infection usually starts with one eye and can spread to the other.
Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptoms
• Heavy tearing, discomfort, and itchiness affecting both eyes are especially likely.
Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are very contagious. Only bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated withantibiotics.
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