By Aliko Munde

Chitipa, February 22, Mana: Chitipa District Council says it has registered 30 cases of viral conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye disease) in two days, few weeks after Karonga District Council also announced an outbreak in the district.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Acting Director of Health and Social Services for Chitipa District Council, Dr. Victor Matumbo, said the disease is spreading at an alarming rate.

Dr. Matumbo appealed to people to seek medical attention once they notice signs and symptoms of the disease.

Signs and symptoms for the disease include pink or red discoloration of the white part of the eye, swelling of the eye lining, increased tear production, itching, eye discharge, eye pain, and visual disturbance.

“Let's avoid sharing personal items, such as clothes and hand towels.  Wash hands with soap frequently or use hand sanitizer and stop rubbing eyes with unclean hands,” Dr Matumbo appealed.

Senior Chief Mwabulambya expressed worry with the disease, saying it is strange that people are learning now that there is this disease.

He called on health authorities to come in and save the situation, which he said is worrisome.

“If people have signs and symptoms of the disease, they should rush to the hospital because it is a strange disease just like the way COVID-19 came in. It is a disease we have never seen in our lifetime,” he said.

Viral conjunctivitis is a disease which affects the eyes and is caused by a virus that can easily spread from person to person.