Conjunctivitis outbreak in the Yucatan Peninsula: The federal Ministry of Health has revealed that more than 11,000 cases have been confirmed so far, the highest in four years.
Because the epidemic is highly contagious but not deadly, the epidemic continues unchecked, which is why the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) in Yucatan recommends extreme hygiene measures for the general population.
“The aim is to avoid eye infections such as conjunctivitis, in which the conjunctiva (membrane covering the white part of the eye) undergoes an inflammatory process that can be caused by allergies, exposure to chemicals or viral infections and bacteria”, says ophthalmologist Verónica Romero Vázquez.
So far this year, 509,825 confirmed cases of the annoying disease have been registered across the country, an increase of 67.64% compared to the 304,117 infected people in the same period in 2022.
Mexico City has the highest rate, with 49,375 infections, or 9.68%, followed by the state of Mexico, with 45,397 infections, or 8.9%, and Veracruz state, with 32,124 positives, or 6.3%.
In addition, the state of Colima has 3,548 confirmed cases, accounting for 0.7%, followed by the state of Campeche, with 4,675 positive cases, accounting for 0.92%, and the state of Baja California Sur, with 5,562 confirmed cases, accounting for 1.09%.
Yucatan ranks 12th with the lowest infection rate, with 11,315 infections, an increase of 17.28% from the total in 2022, and 9,648 infections, with an incidence rate of 2.22%, the state with the highest number of infections in 2020 so far.
Even 9,000 people in 2022 is already 9.25% more than in 2022.
The first outbreak of conjunctivitis in 2015 lasted for four years and the problem was brought under control by taking measures to break the chain of transmission of Covid-19.
However, the second outbreak emerged in the first few weeks of the year and continued to grow as people stopped practicing basic hygiene measures.
IMSS experts believe that conjunctivitis may be caused by a virus or bacteria and begins in the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose.
Proper, consistent handwashing is therefore very important, as the virus can be spread initially by shaking hands, and later by rubbing or touching the face and eyes, contagion can occur.
“The conjunctiva is a transparent membrane that covers the inside of the eyelids and the white part of the eyeball; it has the function of protecting it and destroying foreign bodies that come into contact with it, therefore, it comes into contact with many microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and fungi.” He added.
He explained that allergic conjunctivitis develops suddenly due to exposure to substances that trigger an instantaneous reaction, be it dust, pollen, animal hair, cosmetics, etc.
Mainly, he explained, the eyelids were swollen, itchy, and red.
He emphasized that the best way to prevent it is to avoid contact with the allergen, however, this is not always possible, so it is necessary to take measures to minimize these symptoms, such as not rubbing your eyes and especially not using dirty and dirty hands. Maintain proper hygiene of the house, mattresses and bedding.
There is also bacterial conjunctivitis, which is manifested by inflammation of the eyelids, regular discharge of yellow-green discharge, and in addition, the eyelids stick together and scab upon waking.
Therefore, IMSS experts recommend to see a doctor at the first sign of disease so that he can prescribe the best treatment and avoid complications and / or infection.
In conclusion, experts emphasize that conjunctivitis can be prevented by simple everyday actions such as: washing hands frequently; avoiding touching eyes; not sharing personal hygiene items such as: towels, make-up or make-up, and most importantly, seeing a family doctor promptly, To prevent any health complications for you or your family.
