BACOLOD City — The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Negros Occidental has urged local health offices, schools and communities to strengthen preventive measures against conjunctivitis, commonly known as sore eyes, amid reports of increasing cases in the community.
In Health Advisory No. 26-0004, series of 2026, issued on October 15, the PHO relayed the Department of Health–Negros Island Center for Health Development’s (DOH-NIR CHD) call for the public to remain vigilant and observe proper hygiene to curb the spread of the highly contagious eye infection.
The advisory noted that while most cases are mild and resolve within one to two weeks, the infection can spread rapidly in schools, workplaces, childcare centers and other crowded settings.
Conjunctivitis is characterized by redness in one or both eyes, excessive tearing, itching, a burning sensation, swollen eyelids and eye discharge that may cause the eyelids to stick together, particularly upon waking.
The infection spreads mainly through direct contact with an infected person’s eye secretions, touching the eyes with contaminated hands, contact with contaminated surfaces, and sharing personal items such as towels, pillows, handkerchiefs and cosmetics.
Health authorities warned that transmission is more likely in crowded environments where personal items are shared and proper hand hygiene is neglected.
To prevent infection, the public is advised to wash their hands frequently, avoid touching or rubbing their eyes, use clean tissues or towels, and properly dispose of used tissues.
Those experiencing symptoms are also urged to avoid close contact with others and refrain from wearing contact lenses until their eyes have completely healed.
The advisory recommends prompt consultation at the nearest health facility for proper assessment and treatment, particularly if symptoms worsen, vision becomes affected or severe eye pain develops.
Infants, older adults, people with weakened immune systems and individuals with pre-existing eye conditions may face a greater risk of severe illness or secondary infections.
The PHO called on provincial, city and municipal health offices, schools and communities to remain vigilant and reinforce infection prevention and control measures to help prevent further transmission./PN
