Conjunctivitis (Pink eye)
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the outer lining of the eye and eyelid, and causes a sore or itchy red eye with
a watery or sticky discharge. It may be caused by germs such as bacteria or viruses, or it may be due to an allergy
(as in hay fever). Treatment depends on the cause but is often by eye drops or ointment. Conjunctivitis caused by
bacteria and viruses may be spread by contact with the eye discharge, which gets onto the hands when a pupil rubs
the sore eye.
Precautions: Regular hand washing will prevent person to person transmission.
Exclusion: Exclusion is not generally indicated but in circumstances where spread within the class or school is
evident it may be necessary to recommend exclusion of affected pupils until they recover, or until they have had
antibiotics for 48 hours.
Management of Infectious Disease in Schools