Pink Eye: Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) - Vancouver ...

[Pages:2]Questions?

For more information, contact your family doctor, or ask for the Infection Control Practitioner at your local facility.

Site

Infection Control

Vancouver:

VGH, UBC, GF Strong, George Pearson

604-875-4111 Ext. 54002

Richmond Health Services

604-244-5156

Lions Gate Hospital

604-341-3908

Coastal:

Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, Sechelt, Powell River

604-815-9339

VCH Public Health

604-244-5156

Providence Health Care

604-485-3214

For more copies, go online at or email phem@vch.ca and quote Catalogue No. FH.680.P655

? Vancouver Coastal Health, March 2017

The information in this document is intended solely for the person to whom it was given by the health care team. vch.ca

Pink Eye

Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis

(EKC)

What is epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis1?

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), commonly known as pink eye, is a viral infection of the eyes. It can cause painful inflammation (redness) of the eye and may cause a blurring of vision. The virus is easily passed on to another person and can quickly become widespread (epidemic).

When did I get it? How long does it last?

You can develop symptoms within three to fourteen days of exposure to EKC. Your improvement may be within a few days, but it could also take several weeks.

Can I pass it to someone else?

Yes you can. EKC is very contagious. Contact with pus or discharge from an infected eye or with something that has touched an infected eye (e.g., pillowcase, sunglasses), can easily spread this infection to your friends and family.

1 Kerato (cornea), conjunctiva (mucous membrane covering the eye), - itis (inflammation)

How can I stop it spreading?

If you or someone you know has EKC...

Do

Before a visit, let your doctor know that you have EKC or that you have been in contact with someone who has EKC.

Before you go to work, tell your employer that you have EKC or that you have been in contact with someone who has EKC.

Use your common sense: for example...

stay away from public swimming pools and hot tubs

stay away from day-care centres

have as little contact as possible with infants

Clean your hands well with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and warm water immediately after:

touching eyes

wiping tears

blowing your nose

Don't

Don't touch your eyes. If you have touched them, immediately clean your hands.

Don't share personal care items such as...

eye drops, contact-lens solutions, or eye make-up

towels, facecloths, pillowcases

eyeglasses (including sunglasses)

anything that comes into contact with your eyes or hands

Where can I get more help?

For more information on EKC, contact your family doctor or your eye doctor. You can also contact Infection Control at the numbers listed on the back of this pamphlet.

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