Nov. 7, 2003 – The Health Department issued a public advisory Friday concerning the condition commonly known as "pink eye."
This is the time of year when the condition, formally called acute bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, often occurs, a release stated.
"Although pink is fairly easy to treat, it is also very easily spread from one person to another," it stated.
Symptoms of pink eye include red and itchy eyes, swelling of the eyelids and a discharge. The condition can be spread by direct contact and by discharge from the upper respiratory tract of infected persons via runny nose, coughing, sneezing and the like.
The department gave the following directions on how to deal with the condition, both for those who may have pink eye and for parents or other caregivers of such persons:
– Avoid hand contact with the eyes.
– Wash your hands often using a liquid sanitizer.
– Do not go to the hospital emergency room.
– Seek medical treatment from a private physician or clinic.
– Do not share eye drops or medications.
For more information, call the Health Department's Bureau of Health Education/Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at 774-9000, ext. 4615 on St. Thomas or 713-8224 on St. Croix.
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