By: Gladys Oguabea Takyi
Optician and CEO of My Eye Center, Dr Chinenye Adisa has advised the public who have contracted “Conjunctivitis,” commonly known as Apollo to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment rather than self-medication.
She hinted that most people prefer the traditional method which is the usage of seawater, urine, and breast milk. However, she believes this method of treatment is not advisable and beneficial. Doctor Adisa said “Apollo” is a viral infection, highly contagious and usually experienced seasonally.
In an interview with Fati Shaibu Ali on the Happy Morning Show, she explained the causes and symptoms of conjunctivitis saying, “Apollo can only be treated based on the conditions and how severe it is will determine a prescription by a medical doctor”. She advised the public to practice good hygiene by washing their hands often with soap and water and should avoid rubbing their eyes with their hands.
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as “Apollo” is an inflammation of the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. Recently, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has recorded about 937 cases of conjunctivitis (Apollo) from 19 health facilities in four regions between June and the second week of September this year. The cases were recorded in the Greater Accra, Upper East, Central, and Oti Region.
The last “Apollo” outbreak in Ghana occurred in 2013, with only a few cases reported each year after but then, its high rate has become very rampant this year. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and usually transmitted through direct contact with an infected person. It can also be caught by using a virus-infected item.