Public health Expert, Anita E Asamoah has cautioned against the use of breast milk, sea water, urine and other harmful substances as treatment for the Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as “Apollo”.
In a press release dated Thursday September 14 2023, the Ghana Optometric Association (GOA) confirmed the nationwide outbreak of Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis (AHC) commonly known as “Apollo”. This outbreak has since become topical with health officials creating awareness and educating the public.
Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis (AHC) commonly known in Ghana as “Apollo” is the inflammation of the conjunctiva[1] . It appears as a reddening of the eye due to the infection of the conjunctiva.
The conjunctiva is the thin transparent tissue that covers the eye. Many conditions can lead to the inflammation of the conjunctiva. They include allergies, bacterial infection, viral infection etc. There’s no cure, but treatments can help you manage the symptoms until the virus clears.
Speaking exclusively to MX24 News, Anita E Asamoah advised the general public to refrain from using substances like breast milk, sea water, urine among others, said to cure the infection. She noted that these substances rather cause harm to the eye which would intensify the pain. She therefore urged persons who are infected to visit the hospital for medical attention.
“Using these is not right and is not the cure. You are rather getting your eyes irritated. The best thing is to visit the hospital” Anita said.
According to her, the constant washing of hands is one of the means of preventing the contraction of the said infection, adding that touching the eyes with unwashed hands would result to the possible contraction of the Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis.
“Washing of hands is important, so keep washing your hands. When you touch your eyes with unclean hands, you are likely to contract the conjunctivitis” the health expert said.
She also debunked assertions that “Apollo” could be contracted by looking into the face of an infected person.
She urged the general public to maintain good hygiene practices, stressing on the need to constantly wash your hands.
Again, she advised teachers to be on guard and isolate children who have been infected with conjunctivitis to avoid the possible spread of the infection among other children in the school.
” Isolate the child in an office …. we should not let an infected child stay with other children since children play a lot by touching each other. It is very risky to allow any child infected with ”apollo” into the school or into the classroom”. She said.
