People are reminded to guard against acute conjunctivitis (red-eye syndrome) following a rise in cases last week. At general outpatient clinics the consultation rate rose from 1.2 cases per 1,000 consultations to 3.4 cases, while for private doctors the rate grew from 3.8 cases to 8.1.

The Centre for Health Protection will monitor the situation closely. Doctors participating in the sentinel surveillance system have been reminded to collect specimens for laboratory tests.

Acute conjunctivitis is a contagious condition mostly caused by viruses and bacteria. Symptoms include irritation, tears, pain and redness. It is usually a self-limiting condition with recovery in one to two weeks with proper treatment.

People with red-eye syndrome are advised to:

�E seek early treatment from doctors;

�E take adequate rest and stop attending childcare centres, schools or workplaces before recovery;

�E properly dispose articles soiled with eye or respiratory secretions to prevent transmission of infection; and,

�E avoid going to swimming pools.

People should pay attention to personal hygiene by:

�E not sharing towels and toilet articles;

�E minimising hand-to-eye contact;

�E washing hands thoroughly before and after contact with eyes; and,

�E avoiding sharing eye droppers, eye medicines, eye make-up and other items that may come into contact with the eyes.

Call the Central Health Education Unit hotline 2833 0111  or visit its website for more information.