By Hou Akot Hou
Aweil Town in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State is experiencing an increase in conjunctivitis cases, commonly known as “red eye disease.”
Local health officials have confirmed a surge in residents seeking medical treatment for the highly contagious condition.
Luka Lual Aleu Jok, the health education focal point at Aweil Hospital urge the public to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the further spread of this disease.
“Wash your hand thoroughly with soap once you have greeted a patient with red-eye disease. This requires thorough basic hygiene more specially sanitization” said Luka Lual Aleu Jok, the health Education focal point based in Aweil Hospital.
He said basic hygiene and sanitization are key to containing the outbreak, adding that maintaining cleanliness and using soap or other disinfecting agents that can kill the germs responsible for conjunctivitis.
He acknowledged the challenges some in the underserved population may face in affording hand sanitizers but stressed that regular handwashing with soap can be an effective alternative.
Similar outbreaks of red eye disease have been reported in other parts of the country, with the first cases reported in Eastern and Central Equatoria State.
Last week Warrap State also reported surge in number of cases related to the disease.
Health practitioners attribute the rapid spread of the condition to poor hygiene practices.
The health authorities in Aweil are working tirelessly to provide medical care and educate the community on the necessary preventive measures.
Residents are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms of red eye disease and to follow the guidance of local health professionals.