Thailand’s Bureau of Epidemiology has reported nearly 50,000 conjunctivitis cases due to the Haemophilus bacterium through the end of May 2016, according to data released last week.

Image/CIA
Image/CIA

From Jan. 1 through May 30, health officials reported 49,903 cases from all 77 provinces. The following province have been hit hardest by “pink eye”:  Ubolrachathani, Amnatcharoen, Maehongsorn, Srisaket and Saraburi.

Thailand reported a massive pink eye outbreak in 2014 with some 160,000 viral cases seen in the first eight months.

Pink eye, or Conjunctivitis, is a common eye ailment caused by an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the clear, thin membrane that covers the white portion of the eyes as well as the inner surface of the eyelids.

The three common causes of pink eye are viral, bacterial and allergic. The symptoms of each form are listed below:

Viral Conjunctivitis Symptoms

• Watery eyes accompanied with discharge are usual.
• Discomfort in the eye with itchiness maybe present.
• The infection usually affects one eye but can move to both.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis Symptoms

• Watery eyes followed with yellow or green discharge are natural occurrences.
• Irritation can be found along with an itchy feeling.
• The infection usually starts with one eye and can spread to the other.

Allergic Conjunctivitis Symptoms

• Heavy tearing, discomfort, and itchiness affecting both eyes are especially likely.

Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are very contagious. Only bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotics.

Related: