"Apollo" alert in classrooms: These simple and essential steps to protect your children

An outbreak of conjunctivitis has been observed in Dakar and some regions of Senegal. With the resumption of classes, Dr. Mouctar Dieng Badiane, ophthalmologist and coordinator of the National Eye Health Promotion Program at the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, is calling for strengthened hygiene measures in schools to limit the spread of this condition, particularly among preschool and primary school children.

Conjunctivitis is on the rise. Cases have been reported in eye care units in Dakar and several other regions of Senegal, according to Dr. Mouctar Dieng Badiane. This situation calls for heightened vigilance, especially as students have returned to school.

Commonly known as Apollo eye, this condition is usually viral in origin. It primarily manifests as redness of the eyes and a foreign body sensation. In some cases, discharge may also appear and cause the eyelids to stick together upon waking.

In schools, close contact between students and the sharing of objects can facilitate transmission. The expert explains that the virus spreads through contaminated hands, but also via infected objects. He also mentions high temperatures and humidity as factors that promote the spread of these viruses.

Hand hygiene at the heart of prevention

To limit the risk of contagion, Dr. Badiane recommends installing handwashing stations in front of classrooms or, failing that, at the entrance to schools. He also recommends making hand sanitizer available and actively raising students' awareness of hygiene practices.

Another essential precaution: avoid rubbing your eyes and sharing objects used for play or crafts. Particular vigilance is needed in preschool and elementary school, where children often handle the same toys and materials.

If symptoms appear, the doctor recommends consulting an eye care professional promptly. This could be an ophthalmologist, a senior ophthalmology technician, or, failing that, a nurse trained to recognize certain eye conditions and emergencies.

Self -medication and risky practices are prohibited.

The specialist also warns against self-medication and certain dangerous practices such as putting seawater or soap in the eyes. These actions are strictly prohibited. If conjunctivitis is suspected, only a consultation can provide appropriate treatment.

According to Dr. Badiane, conjunctivitis generally resolves favorably with appropriate treatment. It is not usually accompanied by severe pain or decreased vision. However, some forms can lead to complications, including blurred vision, which requires prompt medical evaluation.

With outbreaks reported in Dakar and several other regions, prevention has become a shared responsibility. Schools, teachers, and parents all have a crucial role to play in reinforcing hygiene habits, limiting the sharing of personal items, and encouraging medical consultations as soon as the first symptoms appear. Collective vigilance remains essential to protect students and curb the spread of the disease in schools.