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.
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:
I have returned from Bangkok to Canada with “pink eye” I have been to the hospital and been treated. All symptoms are gone but vision is still blurry. Do I have permanent damage? Can anyone else relate?
Did you ever receive a reply to this post? My son is currently in Thailand and has had really bad eye infections. Although nearly cleared up, he still has blurry vision. Can you help?
Thank you
John
I was in Thailand recently and a gentleman I met there had pink eye. A month later another friend of mine living there is having terrible pain in her eyes and cannot see well. I think there must be something up there because you don’t hear about people getting that all the time.