The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued a warning to the public regarding the increasing cases of Acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis, commonly known as “Apollo,” in the country.
Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, the Director of Public Health at GHS, has urged individuals to maintain a habit of frequent handwashing and refrain from touching their eyes to prevent the spread of the disease.
According to Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe, over 50% of eye cases reported at the Police Hospital’s eye clinic are linked to Apollo, and there is a fast spread across all 16 regions.
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He emphasized the need for prevention and promotion of handwashing to avoid touching eyes.
Apollo is a severe form of viral pink eye that causes eyelid swelling, discharge, and bleeding.
It is more severe than other conjunctivitis types and can cause painful swelling and noticeable bleeding.
Treatments can help manage symptoms until the virus clears. In West Africa, it is known as “Apollo 11 disease.”
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The Apollo name was coined when an epidemic of the disease was first recognised in Ghana when the United States (US) launched the Apollo XI spacecraft.
The GHS is urging the public to take necessary precautions and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of Apollo.