By Chisomo Phiri
Malawi Government through the Ministry of Health has directed an immediate stop to handshaking in the face of the conjunctivitis (pink eye) outbreak.
Malawi’s Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda made the directive on Thursday in Zomba at a press briefing on the outbreak of the disease.
Kandodo said the disease transmits rapidly due to poor hygiene, thereby urging all people to avoid sharing towels, shaking hands, and borrowing sunglasses.
She said there is fear that the disease may spread countrywide if hygiene principles are not adhered to.
Currently, conjunctivitis has hit Karonga, Nkhatabay, Nkhotakota, and Lilongwe districts with over 800 cases.
Some of the signs and symptoms of the disease include pink or red color in the white part of the eye, swelling of the eye lining, increased tear production, itching, eye discharge, painful eye and visual disturbance.
The disease can be prevented through frequent washing of hands with soap and warm water and avoid touching or rubbing eyes, among others.
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