Cases of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, commonly known as Apollo, have been confirmed in Potiskum, Yobe State, prompting concern among residents over the spread of the highly contagious eye infection.
The Yobe State Specialist Hospital in Potiskum confirmed that it had treated a number of patients with the infection. However, the Chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, Dr Abubakar Sadiq Zakari, said the actual number of cases could be higher because some affected residents may be treating themselves at home without seeking medical attention.
Zakari urged residents to maintain proper hygiene, wash their hands regularly, avoid touching their eyes and refrain from sharing personal items such as towels, clothing, bedding and utensils.
He also advised infected people to limit close contact with others and seek medical attention when symptoms appear.
The Yobe State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Muhammad Lawan Gana, said the state government had activated measures to contain the spread of the infection.
According to him, health education messages have been developed and shared with stakeholders and through social media. Health Promotion Officers have also been directed to sensitise communities through Village Community Mobilisers.
Residents in different parts of Potiskum have reported increasing cases of red or swollen eyes, itching, pain and watery discharge. Some residents said several members of the same families had been affected.
One resident, Haladu Badejo, described the situation as alarming, saying the infection appeared to be spreading rapidly.
Another resident, Idris Bello Danchuawa, expressed concern over the situation, saying Apollo was still spreading across Potiskum.
A patient, Abubakar Suleiman, said the infection had become a serious concern in the town, with many households reportedly affected.
Another patient, Kasim Muhammad Isah, said the situation had caused some residents to wear glasses in an attempt to protect themselves. He called on the government to take urgent steps to control the spread.
Meanwhile, the Yobe State Primary Health Care Board advised residents to wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water, avoid touching their eyes and refrain from sharing towels, handkerchiefs, eye drops and eyeglasses.
The board also warned residents against putting substances such as urine, breast milk, sugar solutions, cow dung or battery liquid into their eyes, stressing that such practices could cause permanent eye damage or blindness.
A medical doctor, Dr Maryam Ahmed Mustapha, said Apollo is highly contagious and can spread through close contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces.
She also dismissed the belief that looking directly into the eyes of an infected person can cause the disease, urging residents instead to practise good hand hygiene and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
Health authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow recommended hygiene and preventive measures to reduce the spread of the infection.
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