THE KwaZulu-Natal Health Department reports a concerning increase in pink eye (conjunctivitis) cases, with 951 cases recorded in eThekwini.

The department said Pink eye was on the rise compared to the previous year’s season.

The 951 cases were recorded as of March 11.

According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) pink eye is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and the eyeball.

“This membrane is known as the conjunctiva. Within the conjunctiva, there are small blood vessels, which become swollen and irritated when the conjunctiva is inflamed, therefore appearing more visible and giving a reddish or pinkish appearance to the eye.

“You can get conjunctivitis in one or both eyes. It may be possible to get conjunctivitis multiple times, however practicing good hand hygiene can reduce the risk of recurrence,” said the NICD.

People with conjunctivitis have their eyes turn pink or red and have swelling of the eyelids. Patients can also experience an increased tear production, itching, irritating or a burning sensation. They may also experience discharge as well as crusting of the eyelids or lashes.

“Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or by allergies. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis can easily spread between persons, therefore highly contagious.

“Germs can spread from an infected person to other people through close personal contact, from respiratory droplets through coughing or sneezing, as well as by touching surfaces that have been contaminated with germs, and then touching your eyes before washing your hands,” said the NICD.

In the KZN Health Chat Podcast, MEC for Health Nomagugu Simelane said hygiene was very important to combat pink eye.

“It is very important to wash your hands and don’t touch your eyes with unclean hands.

“We also remind people to not share pillows, and those who use makeup should not share eyeliners and other eye makeup products. Also, do not share sunglasses,” said Simelane.

Pink eye can usually clear up in 7 to 14 days without treatment but may take up to 2-3 weeks to clear up. Home remedies include cold compresses or over the counter eye drops.

Health officials provide essential prevention guidelines as cases continue to rise. Learn about symptoms, prevention methods, and treatment options.

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KZN Health alert: pink eye cases surge in eThekwini region