The Uganda Prisons Service has revealed a concerning surge in cases of conjunctivitis, commonly known as “red eyes,” within its various facilities nationwide, totalling over 1200 infections.
According to Frank Baine, spokesperson for the Uganda Prisons Service, a total of 5905 cases have been documented since the outbreak, with 4704 individuals having successfully recovered.
Baine emphasized that while the current active cases stand at 1201, none of them are severe, and fortunately, no fatalities have been recorded. He reiterated the commitment of the prisons to adhere strictly to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Health to mitigate the spread of the disease.
The outbreak has been reported in several prisons including Upper Prison, Murchison Bay, Kampala Remand, Luzira Women’s Prison, and others scattered across the country. Baine assured that the situation is being managed effectively by the authorities.
“We urge the public to refrain from visiting the prisons if they are unwell, to prevent further contamination within the prison community,” Baine added.
Earlier this year, a similar outbreak of conjunctivitis was reported in Kampala, with cases initially surfacing in schools. Common symptoms of the infection include itchy and reddish eyes, among others.
Members of the public have been advised to prioritize hygiene measures, including frequent handwashing with soap and refraining from touching their eyes to curb the spread of the disease.
