Maputo province is witnessing an alarming outbreak of haemorrhagic conjunctivitis, with the city of Matola recording the highest percentage of cases. More than 1,200 individuals have been diagnosed and are receiving treatment for this condition, which has raised concerns among both the population and the health authorities.
According to Iolanda Tchamo, head of the health sector in the province, the number of confirmed cases stands at 1,266, with most of those affected being individuals over 15 years of age. Matola stands out as the most affected district, accounting for more than 70% of cases. The health authorities have worked closely with communities and different sectors, particularly the Education sector, with the aim of preventing the spread of the outbreak, both in schools and in the community at large.
The situation appears to be worsening, with a daily average of new cases exceeding 100. From Wednesday to Thursday alone, there was an increase of around 200 new cases, which underlines the need to step up prevention measures. Tchamo urges the public to adopt strict hygiene practices, including frequent hand washing and maintaining good personal and collective hygiene, as a way of combating the spread of the disease.
The symptoms of haemorrhagic conjunctivitis include inflammation of the conjunctiva and eyelids, red eyes, watering, eye pain, a sensation of a foreign body, photophobia and abundant eye discharge, requiring immediate attention to relieve discomfort and prevent complications.
