By Mukama Philip Kahigiriza,
Health
The Nkozi Hospital medical director, Dr. Criscent Tumuhaise, recently took the initiative to address the public about a concerning outbreak of a disease causing red eyes. Dr. Tumuhaise, who also chairs the AMDA medical and health wellness council, organized an online medical session on platforms such as Zoom and YouTube to educate the public on the outbreak.
During the session, Dr. Tumuhaise was joined by senior ophthalmologist Dr. Betty Katenture from Mengo Hospital, a specialist in eye diseases and complications. The online session attracted a large audience with many questions regarding the disease. The specialists provided insights on how to identify the disease, its effects on other organs in the head, and measures to control and treat it effectively.
Among the key takeaways from the session was the importance of early identification of the disease, washing hands frequently with soap, avoiding touching the eyes, and maintaining social distancing to prevent the spread of the disease. It was noted that these measures were similar to those recommended for preventing COVID-19.
The specialists also provided guidance on caring for individuals infected with the disease, emphasizing the proper application of eye drops and following the prescribed treatment regimen. The public was urged to remain vigilant and seek medical attention promptly if they or someone they know show symptoms of the disease to prevent its transmission.
Increased awareness and adherence to preventive measures were highlighted as crucial steps in controlling the spread of the disease, especially among children in schools.
