Outbreak of Conjunctivitis (Eye Infection) in the Rhondda Fach Valley
The National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHS) has now identified 59 people affected by the outbreak of conjunctivitis (eye infection) in the Rhondda Fach Valley. The outbreak is centred on the Ferndale area, with some cases in Maerdy, Pwllgwaun and Pontypridd.
GPs and other healthcare staff have been alerted to the outbreak and given advice on precautions to prevent spread.
The condition is highly infectious and passes very easily within families and between friends. It causes a red watery eye with discomfort and blurred vision. In a few cases the discomfort can be severe. It usually lasts around two weeks. Antibiotics are not required, and make no difference to the duration of illness.
To prevent further spread, experts urge anyone with conjunctivitis to use separate towels and flannels for all family members, and to wash their hands frequently, especially after touching their face or eyes. Affected people should avoid sharing baths, paddling pools and beds.
Anyone diagnosed with this viral conjunctivitis should not go swimming for fourteen days after the infection began. Children in particular should not attend playgroups, childminders, holiday play schemes or other childcare settings. They should not visit or receive visits, again for fourteen days after the infection started but can be allowed to play in the fresh air, including in parks. Contact lenses should be avoided during the infection. I would also advise affected people not to share eye make-up or eye-droppers.
Filed under Eye Treatment
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