Acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis in southern Sudan

ABSTRACT

The Ministry of Health of Government of Southern Sudan [MOH/GOSS] reported an outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis "red eye syndrome" in Juba town and the surrounding districts. A team composed of the Field Epidemiology and Laboratory training Program [FELTP] Residents and FELTP alumni investigated the outbreak to identify the etiological agent and the magnitude of spread in Juba town. The outbreak started on the 19th International epidemiological week. As of July 11, a total of 428 cases were listed from 6 health facilities. Three out of six conjunctival swabs sent to KEMRI/CDC laboratory in Kenya tested positive for coxsackie virus A24v. The MOH/GOSS and WHO/Juba with support from health NGOs initiated a massive health education targeting eye and personal hygiene, and case management