By KGR Reporter,
A section of residents at the Uganda-South Sudan border point of Elegu Town Council in Amuru District are using urine as ‘eye drops’ to treat conjunctivitis also known as red eye disease.
This comes in the wake of the outbreak of the highly contagious eye disease at the border town since the month began according to health officials.
Patrick Luis Lamot, the Port Health Focal Point Person at Elegu Border point said yesterday that the disease has since affected 393 people between April 3, 2024 to date.
According to the report, 162 patients sought for treatment at Port Health Elegu, 64 patients from Golden Dic clinic, 40 from Vitality Medical Centre between April 3 to April 22.
Lamot said the people hit by the disease at the border point are transporters especially loaders at car stages, hotel/ restaurant staff, money changers, clearing agents, traders in the market and a few border management officials.
He noted that since the outbreak was registered, they have been registering at least five cases per day adding that due to the lack of eye drops, health officials are only issuing antibiotics to the patients at the Port Health Elegu.
William Oyoo, a driver at Elegu Town Council however noted that several drivers and other residents within the area have resorted to using urine drops in their eyes claiming it cures red eyes infection.
Mr. William speaking……
Dr. Kenneth Cana, Gulu District Health Officer said urine contains toxins that are dangerous for the eyes and instead advised community members to only seek for medical treatment from health facilities. END.