Doctors Urge Bauchi Residents To Maintain Hygiene Against ‘Apollo’

Residents of Bauchi State have been advised to take precautionary measures against the spread of acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis, popularly known as “Apollo”.

The contagious eye infection is characterised by redness, pain, swelling and discharge from the eyes, and can spread rapidly, particularly in crowded environments.

Speaking on the development yesterday, a consultant ophthalmologist with the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, Dr Bello Shahir Umar, urged the residents to observe strict personal and environmental hygiene to prevent further spread of the disease.

Umar advised people who develop the symptoms of the infection to seek medical attention immediately, warning against self-medication.

He explained that early medical intervention was important in managing the condition and preventing complications.

Also, another consultant ophthalmologist with ATBUTH, Dr Ibrahim Zakari, expressed concern over the practice of using salt and other local remedies to treat eye infections.

He cautioned residents against using unprescribed eye drops, urging them to visit health facilities for proper examination and treatment.

According to him, although Apollo is treatable, the use of wrong or inappropriate medication could cause serious damage to the eyes and, in severe cases, affect a person’s sight.

The ophthalmologists also called on schools, markets, offices and other public places to provide adequate hand-washing facilities as part of measures to contain the spread of the infection.

They urged residents to avoid sharing personal items such as towels and handkerchiefs and to maintain proper hand hygiene, especially after touching the eyes.

The warning comes amid reports that a number of residents across the state have recently been battling the eye infection.