A statement jointly signed by Dr Edith Dogbe, President and Dr
Imoro Zeba Braimah, General Secretary in Accra said reported cases
from four clinics in Accra and Tema last month was 390, while Okomfo
Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi reported 81 cases.
It said 12 cases were reported to Agogo Presbyterian Hospital, 20
cases in Akwatia Government Hospital and few cases other verbal
reports from various private eye clinics in Bolgatanga and Bawku.
Apollo is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the
lining of the eyelids and eyeball. It usually affects both eyes but
may affect one eye and later spread to the other.
The disease affects people of all ages particularly those in
crowded living conditions (that is homes, schools, day care centres,
work places) and those who engage in poor hand washing practices.
Apollo is spread by contact with the hands, towels, face cloths,
goggles and other surfaces exposed to secretions that contain the
virus.
The symptoms of Apollo include sore eyes, feeling of grittiness
or burning, redness, watery discharge, swelling of eyelids and light
sensitivity.
The statement said the disease was self-limiting and usually
resolves spontaneously within two weeks and the discomfort could be
relieved with the use of artificial tears and cool moist towel applied
around the eyes and use of other eye medication.
It advised against the use of steroids eye drops and affected
persons to report immediately to an eye care worker for appropriate
treatment.
On prevention, the statement said affected persons should stay
away from non affected persons as much as possible to prevent
spreading of the disease.
It recommended that affected persons should stay away from school
or work until the conditions resolves, frequent hand washing and
personal hygiene measures and avoiding rubbing the eyes with unclean
hands should prevent the disease.
“People should desist from sharing towels, beddings and other
items with affected persons, “it added.
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