South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"

By Simon Deng
The government on Monday announced outbreak of Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye disease in Nimule and Magwi areas of Eastern Equatoria State.
“The ministry of health of the Republic of South Sudan, would like to inform the general public of an outbreak of Conjunctivitis commonly known as red eye disease, in the Republic of South Sudan,” said Yolanda Awel Deng Juach, the national minister of health in a statement issued in Juba.
She disclosed that the first cases of the disease were discovered in the busy Nimule Payam.
“This outbreak was first detected among travelers from Uganda, where similar cases have been reported, and an outbreak of Conjunctivitis declared by the ministry of health in Uganda,” Juach said.
She revealed that health authorities in Nimule have heightened surveillance at the major point of entry, to identify suspected cases, adding that they are collecting samples to confirm the causative agent and manage suspected cases at the nearest health facilities.
As of 16th April 2024, a total of 382 suspected cases were screened, and authorities managed 297 at Nimule point of entry and 85 at Nimule hospital.
Juach disclosed that some cases have already been reported in Juba.
She said the ministry of health is controlling the spread of the disease with support from partners, and in close collaboration with the state ministries of health and county health departments which have initiated several measures including promoting personal hygiene and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) activities in Nimule.
Juach said they are strengthening surveillance, managing and treatment of affected individuals, and sensitizing the public about the disease and prevention measures, and also orienting health care workers on investigating and responding to cases of red eye disease.
She urged the public to wash hands frequently with clean water and soap, avoid contact with infected individuals, particularly touching the eyes and shaking hands.
“The more at-risk populations at schools, universities, prisons, IDP/refugee camps are urged to be vigilant and report all suspected cases to the nearest health facility,” Juach said.
Pink eye is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball. This membrane is called the conjunctiva. When small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and irritated, they’re more visible. This is what causes the whites of the eyes to appear reddish or pink.
Pink eye is most often caused by a viral infection. It also can be caused by a bacterial infection, an allergic reaction or in babies an incompletely opened tear duct.