V.I. Health officials have reported a number of recent cases of conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pink eye, and Health Commissioner Julia Sheen and is urging residents to seek medical attention if they feel they have contracted the infection.
Pink eye is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines the eyelid and part of the eyeball. It is characterized by redness and a gritty sensation in the eye, along with itching. Often, a discharge forms a crust on eyelashes at night, according to Health Department epidemiologist, Dr. Eugene Tull.
While pink eye can be an irritating condition, it is usually harmless to one’s sight and typically doesn’t require extensive, or emergency, treatment, according to a Health Department statement. However, because it can be highly contagious for as long as two weeks after signs and symptoms begin, it’s important to seek diagnosis and treatment early.
Parents are urged to keep children with pink eye from child-care facilities or school until symptoms have cleared, Sheen said.
Tull noted that pink eye is caused by bacteria or viruses. "Pink eye caused by bacteria responds quickly to treatment," he said. "Pink eye caused by a virus is not treatable with medication but will go away after the disease has run its course, usually after a week.”
The most common symptoms (in one or both eyes) include redness or itchiness, a gritty feeling, a discharge that forms a crust during the night, and tearing.
To avoid spreading infection, avoid the following activities: touching the face, shaking hands, swimming in pools, sharing towels or washcloths, and reusing handkerchiefs (using a tissue is best). Tull also advised residents to wash hands frequently and disinfect surfaces, such as doorknobs and counters, with a diluted bleach solution.