Conjunctivitis – Inflammation of the thin tissue covering ...



Conjunctivitis – Inflammation of the thin tissue covering the white part of the eye and inside of the eyelids

Signs and symptoms –

• Bacterial

o Red or pink, itchy, painful.

o Moderate amount of green/yellow discharge.

o Eyes may be crusted shut in the morning.

o May affect one or both eyes.

• Viral

o Pink, swollen, watering eye(s) sensitive to light.

o May affect only one eye.

• Allergic

o Itching, redness, and excessive tearing, usually of both eyes.

• Chemical

o Red, watery eyes, history of exposure to chemicals

Incubation/Contagious periods –

• Bacterial

o Period unknown because bacteria that cause it are commonly present and do not usually cause infection.

o Contagious period ends when the course of medication is started.

• Viral

o Occurs early in the course of viral respiratory illness that has other signs or symptoms (the common cold).

o Adenovirus conjunctivitis may be contagious up to 14 days after the appearance of signs and symptoms.

o Contagious period continues while the signs and symptoms are present.

• Allergic

o Occurs in response to contact with an agent that causes the allergic reaction. May be immediate or delayed many hours or days after the contact.

o No contagious period.

• Chemical

o Usually appears shortly after contact with the irritating substance.

o No contagious period.

Mode of transmission – Hands become contaminated by direct contact with discharge from the infected eye, or by touching other surfaces that have been contaminated by the secretions of the infected eye.

Control measures –

• Consult health professional for diagnosis and treatment. Antibiotics are needed only for signs of bacterial conjunctivitis (redness and green/yellow discharge).

• Careful hand washing before and after touching eyes, nose or mouth.

• Careful sanitation of objects that are commonly touched by hands such as tables, doorknobs, writing instruments, books, etc.

Responsibilities –

• School

o Report possible infection to school designated inspector (SDI). If SDI concurs with suspicion, notify parent/guardian for immediate pick up. A copy of conjunctivitis letter will be given to the parent/guardian to inform them of the need for medical evaluation and possible treatment.

o Isolate student in classroom until parent/guardian pick up.

o Review hand washing technique and clean affected items.

o SDI rechecks student upon return to school and obtains documentation from the medical provider regarding clearance to return to class.

o Log students dismissed in the Communicable Condition Log.

o In classroom where multiple cases are identified, a letter may be sent to inform parents of the presence of conjunctivitis.

• Parent/Guardian

o Pick up child immediately and seek necessary medical evaluation.

o Secure documentation from the medical provider regarding treatment plan and return to school for clearance.

o Complete course of medication if indicated providing school with medication consent form if treatment required during school hours.

• Nurse

o Education of school personnel, parent/guardian, and student about conjunctivitis, including its mode of transmission and means of prevention.

o Review Communicable Condition Log weekly providing follow up as indicated or requested.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download