The Health Ministry is issuing a caution to the public as its surveillance network has received reports of cases of conjunctivitis, otherwise known as ‘pink eye’, in some communities.

The signs and symptoms of pink eye include redness of eyes; watery, itchy and/or burning eyes; a grainy feeling in the eyes and hyper-sensitivity to light.

Pink eye is caused by viruses, which enter the eyes through contaminated hands, wash-rags cosmetics contact lenses and other personal items.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Winston De La Haye says, the public should take preventative steps to decrease their risk of becoming infected with conjunctivitis and urges those who are affected to have their condition managed appropriately by a physician and avoid spreading to others.

He says to avoid being infected persons should not share eye makeup, eye drops, wash rags, towels and pillow cases.

He adds that, persons should also refrain from coming into contact with persons who have pink eye and wash hands often

Dr. De La Haye says persons can catch conjunctivitis more than once as there is no vaccination for it.

He says if persons experience symptoms of pink eye they should wash hands with soap and water regularly, avoid rubbing eyes, see a doctor, and do not attend school, work or other crowded places until the infection clears up.