'Sore eyes' cases up in Abra; 600 infected

By Liza Agoot 

BANGUED, Abra – The Department of Health in this province on Thursday urged anew the public to maintain the practice of washing their hands and not holding their face as cases of conjunctivitis or “sore eyes” continue to rise.
    “We have a lot recently, the reported cases of conjunctivitis reached about 600 cases,” Dr. Lilibeth Martin, DOH-Abra provincial head said in a media interview, adding that the number excludes those who did not report their condition.
    Conjunctivitis is characterized by red, itchy eyes with increased tear production and a burning sensation that can irritate.
    Based on their monitoring, she said the cases started in the flooded villages of Sta. Rosa, Cabaluan, and San Antonio, caused by super typhoon "Egay" and the subsequent monsoon rains, which brought many people to evacuation centers.
    From the three villages, the cases spread to other barangays and municipalities, she added.
Matin urged the public to avoid touching their face because the hands carry microorganisms obtained from touching things.
    “The hand is the usual culprit when there is an infection,” she said.
    She advised the public to maintain good hygiene, seek accurate information, visit regional health units, and consult a doctor if noticing eye problems. -- PNA