Cases of conjunctivitis sweep across campus

Cases of conjunctivitis, colloquially known as “pink eye,” have been surfacing across campus, inciting discomfort and mild anxiety among afflicted and uninfected students alike.

According to Medical Services Director Margaret Higham, conjunctivitis is a mild illness that, though typically a viral infection, may occasionally be caused by bacteria. It usually resolves itself without action.

Higham likened its symptoms to those generally associated with a common cold, such as nasal congestion, sore throat and coughing, adding that the eyes of those infected often display discharge, swollenness, irritation and the trademark pink-red hue.

Higham further emphasized that like the common cold, conjunctivitis is highly contagious and easily transmitted.

“The virus can spread when someone coughs, and it can live on hard surfaces for a while-handles, doors, tables … athletic equipment,” Higham said. “The next person who touches the door knob can get [the] virus on their hands, [and] if they then touch their eyes or nose they can transfer the virus to their eyes. This is how most viruses spread. We all touch our nose and eyes many times per hour — we are not even aware of it.”

Higham postulated that Health Service has seen around 100 cases of conjunctivitis in the past month, though she added that many more students have sought help for coughs and colds. On a larger scale, Higham noted that Health Service generally sees the largest amount of visits related to virus-caused illnesses in wintertime.

She added that Health Service has had 1,440 visits between Feb. 1 and Feb. 23.

For students who suffered from conjunctivitis, such as first-year Aaron Frankl, Health Service has proved a valuable resource in the recovery process.

“[Health Service] … gave me some instructions for containing the infection," Frankl said. "I used a hot compress on my eyes a few times a day. It took a few days to disappear."

Frankl added that while a lot of students believe that common equipment in the Cousens Gymnasium has played a key role in facilitating the virus’ spread, he suspects he may have received the infection from a close friend.

“I have seen a big outbreak of it around school, and I don't think there is much to do about it," Frankl said. "It's a very easy thing to spread around, which has caused it to spiral into such an epidemic on campus."

Contrary to Frankl’s assessment, Higham explained that there are many precautionary measures that students can take to either stave off the illness or treat it in its early stages.

“If you think you are developing conjunctivitis, don’t panic!" Higham said. "Use a washcloth with warm water to loosen up any dried gunk. Wash your hands. Don’t put in contacts if you wear them. Don’t use eye makeup. Wait and see how your symptoms develop. If you are very uncomfortable, have a lot of discharge collecting during the day or very painful eyes, come to Health Service. If your symptoms are milder, just wait it out."

She also emphasized that simple steps – such as practicing good hygiene by diligently washing one’s hands, covering coughs and consciously refraining from touching one’s eyes and nose – can make a major difference in containing a conjunctivitis infection.