Some schools in Busia County have sent their students home due to an outbreak of red eye disease and the already infected students have been quarantined.
The county Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Executive Secretary Moffat Okisai confirmed the closures, naming some of the affected schools as Amagoro Girls High School, Malaba Primary School, Mundika Boys High School, Moding, and Nambale Boys.
In response, teachers urged the government to supply red eye treatments to school dispensaries, ensuring that medical professionals can promptly attend to the affected students.
“It is just a matter of us taking preventive measures. Affected students have just been quarantined and isolated from the rest and after two days or so, they will resume learning,” said Okisai.
Consequently, medical practitioners in Busia have advised parents of affected students to seek professional assistance, emphasizing that the disease cannot be treated effectively at home.
In late 2023, an outbreak of red eye disease, also known as conjunctivitis, occurred in Mombasa County, resulting in visible symptoms such as red or pink eyes.
Experts attribute conjunctivitis to inflammation of the transparent membrane within the eyeball. This condition can result from viral or bacterial infections. Individuals experiencing allergic reactions may also display similar symptoms. Other symptoms are eye-swelling, discharge and itchiness.
In February, the Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura disclosed that the disease can spread through sharing personal items or by touching the eyes of an infected individual.
Kenyans are advised to refrain from touching their faces, practice regular hand washing, disinfect surfaces, and avoid sharing personal items such as towels.
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