'Apollo' Cases: Ghanaians Cautioned About Fast-Spreading Of Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis

'Apollo' Cases: Ghanaians Cautioned About Fast-Spreading Of Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis

  • Ghanaians have been cautioned about a surge in Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis or "Apollo" cases across the country
  • The Ghana Optometric Association said the use of lactation milk to treat the virus may result in serious harm to the eye
  • The Association has asked people who have gotten infected to seek early eye care to prevent spread

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The Ghana Optometric Association (GOA) has cautioned the public about the surge of Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis or "Apollo" cases in Ghana.

In a press release, the Association said optometrists and other eyecare professionals are reporting huge Apollo cases in their practices.

GOA explained that “Apollo” is caused by an inflammation of the thin transparent layer covering the white part (sclera) of the eye.

'Apollo' Cases: Ghanaians Cautioned About Fast-Spreading Of Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis In Ghana
A man showing Apollo infection in his left eye (L) and a file photo showing a laboratory technician looking through a microscope. Source: Facebook/@reindolfitemsbotchway, Getty Images.
Source: Facebook

This is caused by viruses such as the enterovirus 70 and coxsackie virus A24, GOA explained further.

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"Although it is usually self-limiting, eyedrops are prescribed to prevent secondary bacterial infection and also limit severe inflammatory signs that may be present with the conjunctivitis. Seek medic*l care from your eyecare doctor (optometrist, ophthalmologist) or eyecare nurse (ophthalmic nurse)," GOA advised in the statement.

Don't do the following to fight Apollo

The public cautioned against doing the following to treat the menace:

  • Using seawater to treat your “Apollo”
  • Instilling human bre*st milk in the eyes
  • Instilling urine in the eyes
  • Applying herbal preparation to the eye
  • Seeking eyecare from unqualified eyecare practitioners
  • Self-medic*tion
  • Using eyedrops prescribed for someone
"'Apollo' is spreading very fast in most communities. However, once you have it do not panic and seek early eye care in order to prevent its spread and possible complications," GOA cautioned.

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Daily Graphic and TV3 caught advertising fake herbal mixture

Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh has reported that The Fourth Estate has caught eight media outlets advertising a fake herbal medicine without due diligence.

The Fourth Estate created a fake herbal medicine by mixing soft drinks and was licensed by the state.

Prominent organisations like TV3, the Daily Graphic and Starr FM advertised the fake mixture.

Man escapes death after trailer truck collapses on container at Koforidua timber market

Also, one person was seriously injured after a trailer truck collapsed on a container in the New Juabeng South district.

The accident took place at the Koforidua Timber market and required emergency response from the fire service and police.

Some traders at the market reportedly complained about the poor roads in the areas despite the taxes paid.

Police retrieve murdered Afia Ahenkan's vehicle

In other news, police have found the KIA Sportage belonging to Princess Afia Ahenkan, the lady who was allegedly murdered by her househelp recently.

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The househelp, John Alister, was recruited through a job agency in Kumasi and allegedly committed the crime barely two weeks after getting the job.

In a statement issued on Friday, September 15, 2023, police said two other suspects have been arrested in connection with the heinous crime.

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Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
George Nyavor avatar

George Nyavor (Head of Politics and Current Affairs Desk) George Nyavor writes for YEN.com.gh. He has been Head of the Politics and Current Affairs Desk since 2022. George has over 9 years of experience in managing media and communications (Myjoyonline and GhanaWeb). George is a member of the Catholic Association of Media Practitioners Ghana (CAMP-G). He obtained a BA in Communications Studies from the Ghana Institute of Journalism in 2010. Reach out to him via george.nyavor@yen.com.gh.