KZN Health says clinics are prepared for pink eye cases
The Department of Health in KwaZulu-Natal says clinics across the province have been stocked up with medicine as cases of pink eye soar.
The department on Thursday morning confirmed that the conjunctivitis infections in KZN have risen to 20 781.
The bulk of the cases are in eThekwini.
Provincial health HOD Dr Sandile Tshabalala says while they are encouraging preventive measures, people should seek medical advice immediately when they display symptoms.
"Go to the nearest clinic and check whether it is conjunctivitis, and if it is caused by virus bacteria or an allergic irritant. We do have the necessary medication for treating all these symptoms where we are able to say what is the cause."
READ: Over 20 000 pink eye cases in KZN
Tshabalala has urged people to be mindful when attending large gatherings, especially over Easter long weekend.
"Where there are many people gathered and there is singing involved or talking involved, let’s also make sure that we prevent the spread because there is a connection between the eye, nose and the mouth through some ducts that are connecting these three. Therefore, you can find the virus or the bacteria that is involved spreading from sneezing and coughing."
The provincial government says it's intensified its campaigns on how to mitigate the spread of the bacterial infection.
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