What causes epidemic conjunctivitis?

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is a viral conjunctivitis caused by a group of adenoviruses. This family of adenoviruses contains different serotypes that can also cause pharyngoconjunctival fever and nonspecific follicular conjunctivitis. EKC is highly contagious and has a tendency to occur in epidemics.

Is conjunctivitis an epidemic?

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis – a more severe type of conjunctivitis, commonly caused by infection with adenovirus serotypes 8, 19, and 37. Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis – a type of conjunctivitis that is often associated with large epidemics worldwide, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions.

How is epidemic keratoconjunctivitis treated?

Supportive management of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis includes the following:

  1. Artificial tears.
  2. Cold compresses.
  3. Cycloplegic agents for severe photophobia.
  4. Topical corticosteroids.
  5. Topical agents that have antiviral activity.

How long is viral conjunctivitis contagious?

Viral conjunctivitis is usually contagious for two weeks after the symptoms first appear, for as long as the eyes are red. A general rule of thumb is: if the eyes are red, it can spread. Irritation and discharge worsen for three to five days before improving, and symptoms can persist for two to three weeks.

How long is epidemic keratoconjunctivitis contagious?

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is highly contagious and adenoviruses can live on surfaces for up to 30 days. People get epidemic keratoconjunctivitis by coming into contact with tears or discharge from the eyes of an infected person and then touching their own eyes.

Can conjunctivitis be contagious?

Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are both highly contagious, and you may be contagious for up to two weeks after symptoms first appear. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. Most cases of pink eye are viral or bacterial, and can occur with other infections.

Why is conjunctivitis or sore eye contagious?

Conjunctivitis Can be Bacterial or Viral. The important thing to know about conjunctivitis is that it can be caused by either a bacterial infection or a viral infection.

  • The Incubation Period For Conjunctivitis is Long.
  • People Touch Their Eyes and Faces All the Time.

    • What are the best eye drops for infection?

    A bacterial eye infection is treated with specific antibiotic eye infection medication. Depending on the type of bacterial infection, a physician might prescribe eye infection drops such as sodium sulfacetamide and azithromycin or ointments such as bacitracin, neomycin or erythomycin.

    What is the best medicine for pink eye?

    The best treatment for pinkeye is a drug called sulfacetamide. It is a antibiotics eye drop that you take 4 times a day, Typically you take it for about a week.