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Burning and itchy eyes The eye flu continues to spread more strongly
The so-called eye flu spreads in some areas of Germany strong. Patients suffer and eye pain and itchy eyes. The disease is caused by infectious adenoviruses. The epidemic is spreading very fast in Bonn. Patients are encouraged to stay at home.
Already reported over 100 cases of eye flu
In the past two weeks more than 100 cases of so-called eye flu have been reported to the health department of the city of Bonn. Those affected suffer from reddened, watery and itchy eyes. The eyes are also light-shy. This aggressive form of conjunctivitis is triggered by a highly contagious adenovirus.
In Bonn, eye flu is spreading. This aggressive form of conjunctivitis is triggered by highly contagious adenoviruses. Patients should stay home for the time being. (Image: Birgit Reitz-Hofmann / fotolia.com) Highly contagious and resistant
According to information from the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) are adenoviruses "a pathogen group that triggers a variety of diseases, including. the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract or conjunctiva and cornea. The viruses are highly contagious and resistant. "
This is also evident in Bonn, where the disease is difficult to control. As vice-city spokesman Marc Hoffmann told the "Bonner General-Anzeiger", the disease was notifiable. "The treacherous is the long incubation period of up to twelve days, in addition, the virus is resistant to the environment," said the spokesman.
Regular hand washing
Most of the viruses are spread in the tear fluid over the hands to which pathogens adhere. To protect against infection, certain measures should be taken: The most important hygiene rule is hand washing. This is especially true if you have touched the eyes with your hands.
In addition, people living with patients should always use their own towels and other hygiene items such as washcloths. Work or visits to community facilities such as schools or kindergartens are taboo during the inflammation. Patients should stay at home until the symptoms have resolved.
Inflammation usually stops by itself
If there is an infection, redness on one or both eyes initially appears, followed by swelling of the conjunctiva. Affected people have a foreign body sensation in mind.
The eye itches, tears and reacts sensitively to light. Frequently, eyelid swelling and enlargement of the lymph nodes in front of the ear develop.
In some cases, the inflammation may spread to the cornea of the eye after about a week. Although the conjunctivitis sounds usually after two to four weeks on its own again, but slight cloudiness of the cornea may possibly persist for some time. As a rule, the infectious conjunctiva and corneal inflammation heals completely and without consequences.
Patients should consult an ophthalmologist
A causal treatment against the virus is not available. Only the complaints can be alleviated. Patients should consult an ophthalmologist.
The origin of the adenovirus is so far unclear. Researchers assume that it is not human, but animals. In 2011, US physicians reported that adenoviruses had been proven to be transmitted from monkeys to humans for the first time.
At that time, experts recommended observing adenoviruses more carefully in the future in order to be aware of possible dangers to humans in good time. (Ad)