Concerns over the development of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, sometimes known as Apollo, have prompted the Yobe State Specialist Hospital in Potiskum to confirm instances.
According to Daily Trust, the hospital advised residents to take precautions to contain the virus and to practise excellent personal and environmental cleanliness.
Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Zakari, the chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee and a representative of the Medical Director, stated that the facility had documented several incidents.
However, he stated that the true figure might be higher because some afflicted individuals might choose to treat themselves at home rather than seek medical care.
Residents should wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their eyes, and not share towels, clothing, beds, utensils, or other personal objects, according to Zakari.
Additionally, he advised those who are infected to avoid close contact with others and to get medical help as soon as symptoms appear.
The ministry has taken action to contain the virus, according to Dr. Muhammad Lawan Gana, State Commissioner for Health and Human Services.
He stated that important messages had been created and disseminated to stakeholders and on social media, and that Health Promotion Officers had been instructed to use Village Community Mobilisers to raise community awareness.
Residents in several regions of Potiskum were found to have reported an increase in incidents of watery discharge, itching, soreness, and red or swollen eyes.
Fears of rapid transmission were raised by several locals who claimed that multiple members of the same family had been impacted.
Haladu Badejo, a local, called the situation concerning, stating that the illness was spreading quickly.
“Subhanallahi! Apollo Disease (Ciwon Ido) is still spreading in Potiskum,” stated Idris Bello Danchuawa, another local.
Abubakar Suleiman, a patient, stated that the virus has grown to be a major problem in the community.
In Potiskum, the Apollo eye infection has spread like wildfire. This is the most widespread disease we have seen in a long time. It is challenging to go to two homes and not come across someone who has the illness, he said.
According to Suleiman, the illness produced excruciating pain and redness, and some patients healed after taking oral medication and eye drops.
Kasim Muhammad Isah, another patient, claimed that many locals had been compelled to wear glasses in an effort to protect themselves due to the outbreak.
“The Apollo epidemic is undoubtedly affecting the inhabitants of Potiskum. Nearly every household is impacted, he stated.
Isah called on the administration to act quickly to keep the situation under control.
Alhaji Abdurrahman Santurankin Yandiski, a resident, also demanded greater public awareness, health advice, and preventive measures.
In the meanwhile, the Yobe State Primary Health Care Board recommended that locals avoid touching their eyes or exchanging towels, handkerchiefs, eye drops, or spectacles, and wash their hands frequently with soap and clean water.
The board issued a warning, stating that fluids like urine, breast milk, sugar solution, cow dung, or battery liquid could cause blindness or irreversible damage to the eyes.
Apollo is extremely contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, according to Dr. Maryam Ahmed Mustapha, a medical professional.
She also refuted the notion that staring into an infected person’s eyes could spread the illness, advising locals to wash their hands properly and get help if symptoms appear.
About the Author
