Large outbreaks of "red eye" (conjunctivitis) in Panama, Grenada and Mexico

Hundreds to thousands of cases of conjunctivitis (“red eye”) are being reported in outbreaks in Panama (almost 69,000 cases primarily in Colón, San Miguelito (Panamá division), Panamá Oeste, and Panamá Metro), Grenada (41 cases and increasing), and Mexico (almost 19,000 cases in the state of Yucatán, where pharmacists report that ophthalmic solutions are completely sold).

Advice

Although “red or pink eye” conjunctivitis is usually a self limited viral or bacterial illness transmitted from person to person, it causes considerable discomfort, including pain, burning, scratchiness, or itchiness in the affected eye. To avoid disrupting travel and vacations, travellers can reduce the risk of exposure by frequent hand washing with soap and water, and avoiding sharing sunglasses, bath towels or other personal items used by an infected individual.