South Sudan has declared an outbreak of conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, along the border between Uganda.
The outbreak was first detected among travelers from neighboring Uganda, where similar cases had been reported. Health authorities in Nimule have heightened surveillance to identify suspected cases, collect samples to confirm the causative agent, and manage them at the nearest health facilities.
Conjunctivitis is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva and inner eyelids, and can be caused by viral and bacterial infections, seasonal allergies, and reactions to eye medications.
As of April, 382 suspected cases were screened and managed, with 297 detected at the Nimule point of entry and 85 at Nimule hospital. The health authorities have initiated measures to promote personal hygiene, strengthen surveillance, manage and treat affected individuals, and inform healthcare workers on investigating and responding to cases of red eye disease.
