MEMBERS of the public in Mpanda Municipality in Katavi Region and all Tanzanians have been urged to take precautionary measures following the outbreak of red eye disease in some parts of the country.
The eye disease medically known as keratoconjunctivitis, the symptoms of the rapidly spreading disease, which include red, itchy, and burning eyes, as well as swelling, sensitivity to light and the presence of white or yellow discharge.
Dr Jackson Noel who serves at St Aloyce Health Centre in municipality told the ‘Daily News’ recently emphasised that reports which have gone viral on some social media on the presence of the disease have caused panic among the citizens.
The medic urged citizens to take various precautions, including avoiding touching their eyes with their hands, washing hands with clean water and soap, and maintaining overall hygiene to prevent the further spread of the disease.
“The disease has no specific treatment and typically resolves within two to six weeks, depending on the individual and advised the people not to use unverified medications to avoid further complications,” emphasised the medical expert. However, he said that there have been no any patient with related disease so far reported to the medical facility.
“Citizens are advised to pay attention to hygiene practices, which involve avoiding contact when sneezing, touching the eyes and washing with running water and soap.” he emphasised On Monday this week Director of Medical Services in the Ministry of Health, Professor Pascal Ruggajo said that the disease has spread in Dar es Salaam, Coast and Dodoma regions.
“The government is closely monitoring the trend of this disease and continues to provide warnings” he stressed.
He noted that some individuals may also experience additional symptoms such as severe headaches, excessive fatigue and swollen lymph nodes in the head and neck.
Across section of people based in Mpanda Municipality interviewed by this paper separately recounted that reports circulated by social media platforms over the presence of red-eye disease have wrecked panic to them.
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