Zambia: The health department of Mpulungu district in Northern Province has reported an eye disease outbreak. The exact nature of the eye infection is still unknown while the cases are being seen for the last few weeks.
Mpulungu District Commissioner Gehard Sikazwe shared the details of the eye infection with the media. He claimed that the case of the unknown eye infection was first noticed last month but is slowly increasing.
The District Commissioner Sikazwe revealed that the Ministry of Health in the area has so far recorded 220 cases. According to health officials, the infection is affecting both children and adults in the district.
Sikazwe further informed the media that the infection is mostly present in urban townships. He claimed that the Mpulungu urban clinic has recorded the majority of the cases, with 178 infections recorded.
He shared the individual statistics of infections from the various health facilities of the country. The Mpulungu District Hospital has recorded 21 cases the Kaizya Clinic has 21, and Kasakalawe Rural Health Center has recorded 6 cases.
Sikazwe also talked about the various symptoms such as itching, swelling, and redness of the eyes.
He said the Ministry of Health has since started conducting investigations to establish the disease and its causes. Sikazwe said the department of health has sent samples for culturing in order for them to determine if the infection is both viral and bacterial.
Further, Sikazwe has urged the Ministry of Health to continue with investigations and sensitize the public in order to fight the spread of the infection.
He observed that the infection is spreading at a very fast rate and the people of the country must take precautions to curb the spread. He also encouraged people to seek medical attention as soon as they present with the symptoms. This can be the first step in order to stop the spread of the infection.