Conjunctivitis hits University with more than 100 cases

In the past two weeks, the McCosh Health Center has seen an outbreak of conjunctivitis on campus, the University announced yesterday.

Conjunctivitis, better known as "pink eye," is an inflammation of the membrane that covers the white of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelid. It is caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

In the first 11 days of March, 111 students were diagnosed with pink eye. Symptoms include redness and itchiness in the eyes, blurred vision and sensitivity to bright light.

Pink eye is very contagious and can be passed quickly among people in close quarters such as dormitories.

There has also been an outbreak at Dartmouth College, where 400 students have been stricken with pink eye in the past month, the Boston Globe reported.

University Health Services recommends frequent hand-washing to prevent the spread of pink eye.

To ease the pain, students should flush the eyes with water or apply saline solution or prescription antibiotic eye drops. Students should also remove contact lenses if they wear them.

In February, a gastroenteritis outbreak struck campus with nearly 100 people admitted to in-patient services or diagnosed with a mild case of the illness.