The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 277 No 7414 p212
19 August 2006

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Welsh viral conjunctivitis cluster under investigation

Clustered cases of viral conjunctivitis in the Rhondda Fach valley are being investigated by the National Public Health Service for Wales (NPHS), which will examine how common such outbreaks are.

Anyone suffering from conjunctivitis in the Rhondda Fach valley is being advised to inform his or her GP. “The condition is highly infectious and passes easily within families and between friends,” the NPHS says.

“It causes a red, watery eye with discomfort and blurred vision. In a few cases the discomfort can be severe. It usually lasts around two weeks. Antibiotics are not required, and make no difference to the duration of illness.” Anyone affected is advised to use separate towels from other family members, to wash hands frequently and to avoid sharing baths and beds. GPs will inform the NPHS about cases, so that the outbreak can be controlled.