The Jigawa State Ministry of Health has raised the alarm over an outbreak of acute conjunctivitis, popularly known as Apollo, in parts of the state.
The ministry has urged residents to take precautionary measures to prevent further transmission of the highly contagious eye infection, particularly as schools prepare to resume.
Health authorities have advised residents, especially students and school personnel, to avoid sharing personal items that could facilitate the spread of the infection.
Such items include towels, handkerchiefs, cosmetics, eye drops and eyeglasses. Residents have also been advised to maintain proper hand hygiene and avoid touching or rubbing their eyes.
Conjunctivitis affects the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. Viral forms can spread easily through contact with infected eye secretions or contaminated surfaces.
Common symptoms include redness of the eyes, excessive watering, irritation or a gritty sensation, swollen eyelids and discharge.
Health officials have urged anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with conjunctivitis to seek medical attention rather than self-medicate or share medication with others.
The warning comes amid reports of similar outbreaks in parts of northern Nigeria. Yobe State health authorities, for instance, recently confirmed cases of acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis, also known as Apollo, in Potiskum and issued preventive guidance to residents and commuters.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) continues to monitor infectious disease trends nationally through its epidemiological surveillance system.
The Jigawa health authorities are expected to continue surveillance and public sensitisation efforts as they work to contain the outbreak.
Residents have been advised to report suspected cases promptly and maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the risk of transmission within households, schools and other crowded environments.
