“APOLLO” (EPIDEMIC KERATO-CONJUNCTIVITIS OR E.K.C)

Let’s delve into the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of another red-eye condition, known as EPIDEMIC KERATO-CONJUNCTIVITIS abbreviated as E.K.C., commonly known as “APOLLO.”  The reason is not far-fetched from the fact that encountering issues with red eyes is the most common eye problem we face globally. Hence, it cannot be over-emphasized.  This eye condition affects people of all ages. A person can infect by Apollo if they have direct contact with an infected person or are in contact with contaminated surfaces and objects.

Let us begin by explaining why it is popularly known as APOLLO in Nigeria.

WHY IS IT CALLED APOLLO?

Interestingly, the name Apollo is associated with a Greek god. However, E.K.C. was nicknamed Apollo because its first documented outbreak happened around 1969 after the United States conducted the Apollo 11 space mission. The epidemic began in Ghana and Nigeria, where residents believed it was due to moon dust from the Apollo Space Mission. Since then, the name Apollo 11 has remained widely used.

WHAT IS EPIDEMIC KERATO-CONJUNCTIVITIS?

Let us break down the lengthy term and find out.

EPIDEMIC: refers to a widespread incidence of an infectious disease in a particular geographic area during a specific time frame.

KERATO: pertains to the cornea (the clear dome-like structure in front of the pupil).

CONJUNCTIVITIS: signifies the inflammation of the conjunctiva

Thus, epidemic kerato-conjunctivitis is a widespread infection affecting the cornea and Conjunctiva. A group of viruses called adenoviruses is responsible for this condition. These adenoviruses can lead to various illnesses and symptoms, including colds, sore throats, bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, pink eye, and bladder infections.

E.K.C often starts in one eye and typically spreads to the other within the first week of symptoms due to hand-to-eye contact, not necessarily because a person looked into someone’s eyes that have Apollo. The infection is contagious and common during dry and windy weather, which explains why if someone near you is infected, it would not be long before it spreads to you and others nearby, thus earning the term epidemic.

Regardless of how highly contagious Apollo is, we will provide information on preventing yourself and your family from contacting this infection and the best ways to care for someone already affected.

It is, and that is why if someone around you has it, it is just a matter of time before it gets to you and everyone in the locality, hence the name epidemic.

We will stop here; we hope you have gained some new insights.

Feel free to send in your questions. To consult an Optometrist, visit TREETOP VISION EYE CENTRE (TREVEC), the best eye clinic in Utako Abuja.

TREVEC CARES!!!