The Major League Baseball team, the Milwaukee Brewers are making a concerted effort to avoid personal contact in the wake of an outbreak of conjunctivitis, or “pink eye”, that has infected a large portion of the team.
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According to the team’s official website, catchers Jonathan Lucroy and Juan Centeno, pitching coach Rick Kranitz, outfielder Logan Schafer, infielder Yadiel Rivera and even head athletic trainer Dan Wright have been struck by the infection in recent days.
In an effort to prevent the spread of the extremely contagious eye infection, team member are abstaining from “high-fives” and instead are turning to “air high-fives” and forearm bumps.
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.
