Acute Haemorrhagic Conjunctivitis commonly referred to as “Apollo”, occurs when the transparent tissue lining the white of the eye, called conjunctiva, becomes inflamed. It is called “Apollo” because the reports of its first epidemic in Accra coincided with the Apollo 11 moon landing. The disease has also been found in other countries, including Egypt, Cuba, Japan, Pakistan, and the United States.
Apollo is common during the rainy season and viruses are usually the culprit for this infection. These viruses spread easily when hand hygiene is poor rather than the feared notion of looking at someone with a red eye. Transmission occurs through hand-to-eye contact with contaminated fingers and using personal items from an infected person, such as a towel. The disease can also occur between a mother and child. Within one or two days of acquiring the viruses, symptoms will become apparent.
Apollo is normally recognized by the affected person upon waking, and symptoms and signs include sore eyes, redness, watery discharge, swollen eyelids, a feeling of burning or light sensitivity, and sometimes a low-grade fever among infants.
There is no specific curative treatment available, and the disease, fortunately, tends to go on its own by 5 to 7 days. Harmful practices concerning Apollo include instilling urine, human breastmilk, seawater, and herbal preparations in the eyes as treatment. Additionally, seeking eye care from unqualified eye care professionals and using eyedrops prescribed for someone may be harmful and must be avoided.
To prevent this condition, the following must be noted: first, personal hygiene must be maintained. Frequent hand washing with soap and water must be ensured, and rubbing or touching of the eyes must be avoided, as this can introduce infection into the eyes. Secondly, good eye hygiene must be practiced. Eye drops, makeup, or other personal items that come into contact with the eyes should not be shared. Proper cleaning and hygiene instructions must be followed by contact lens users. It is recommended that affected people stay away from school or work until symptoms resolve. Fourthly, commonly touched surfaces such as door knobs, eyeglasses, and smartphones must be cleaned and disinfected regularly. Sharing of towels, bedding, and other items with affected persons must be avoided. Finally, seek prompt medical care from eye care professionals once symptoms are noted and follow the advice given.
Hygiene, education, and the avoidance of infectious contact are the most effective preventive measures available for Apollo. Personal and community responsibility is key to controlling outbreaks of the disease and safeguarding eye health.
Mac-Cauley Harrison M.D., MPH
Eye Centre, KBTH
21/09/2023
