PINK EYE
Conjunctivitis (or pinkeye) is an inflammation of the thin, transparent outer tissue layer of the eyeball and the inner surface of the eyelids. The most common causes are bacteria, viruses, and allergies. Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria and viruses are contagious. Organisms that cause conjunctivitis are transmitted by direct contact with the discharge from the mucous membranes that line the eyes or upper respiratory tracts of infected people. The organisms are also transmitted from contaminated fingers, clothing, or other articles.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Redness of the whites of the eyes
- Watery discharge and/or thick yellow/green discharge
- Redness, swelling, or both of the eyelids
- Itching and rubbing of the eyes
- Crusts in the inner corners or the eyes, especially in the morning.
- Discharge may cause eyelids to stick together, especially upon waking from sleep.
- May be associated with the common cold
Contagiousness:
- The incubation period is usually 24 to 72 hours.
- It can be transmitted from contaminated fingers, clothing, or other articles (like shared make-up, washcloths, towels, or paper towels)
School Exclusion Guidelines:
- Since some cases of pink eye are contagious, we will send the student home to protect other students and staff.
- The student may return to school after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment has been completed or we have a written note from a physician stating the child is not contagious to others.
Prevention:
- Good hand washing, especially after touching their eyes
- Any articles that touch the eyes should be cleaned appropriately