Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis – Inflammation of the thin tissue covering the white part of the eye and inside of the eyelids

Signs and symptoms –

  • Bacterial
  • Red or pink, itchy, painful.
  • Moderate amount of green/yellow discharge.
  • Eyes may be crusted shut in the morning.
  • May affect one or both eyes.
  • Viral
  • Pink, swollen, watering eye(s) sensitive to light.
  • May affect only one eye.
  • Allergic
  • Itching, redness, and excessive tearing, usually of both eyes.
  • Chemical
  • Red, watery eyes, history of exposure to chemicals

Incubation/Contagious periods –

  • Bacterial
  • Period unknown because bacteria that cause it are commonly present and do not usually cause infection.
  • Contagious period ends when the course of medication is started.
  • Viral
  • Occurs early in the course of viral respiratory illness that has other signs or symptoms (the common cold).
  • Adenovirus conjunctivitis may be contagious up to 14 days after the appearance of signs and symptoms.
  • Contagious period continues while the signs and symptoms are present.
  • Allergic
  • Occurs in response to contact with an agent that causes the allergic reaction. May be immediate or delayed many hours or days after the contact.
  • No contagious period.
  • Chemical
  • Usually appears shortly after contact with the irritating substance.
  • No contagious period.

Mode of transmission – Hands become contaminated by direct contact with discharge from the infected eye, or by touching other surfaces that have been contaminated by the secretions of the infected eye.

Control measures –

  • Consult health professional for diagnosis and treatment. Antibiotics are needed only for signs of bacterial conjunctivitis (redness and green/yellow discharge).
  • Careful hand washing before and after touching eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Careful sanitation of objects that are commonly touched by hands such as tables, doorknobs, writing instruments, books, etc.

Responsibilities –

  • School
  • Report possible infection to school designated inspector (SDI). If SDI concurs with suspicion, notify parent/guardian for immediate pick up. A copy of conjunctivitis letter will be given to the parent/guardian to inform them of the need for medical evaluation and possible treatment.
  • Isolate student in classroom until parent/guardian pick up.
  • Review hand washing technique and clean affected items.
  • SDI rechecks student upon return to school and obtains documentation from the medical provider regarding clearance to return to class.
  • Log students dismissed in the Communicable Condition Log.
  • In classroom where multiple cases are identified, a letter may be sent to inform parents of the presence of conjunctivitis.
  • Parent/Guardian
  • Pick up child immediately and seek necessary medical evaluation.
  • Secure documentation from the medical provider regarding treatment plan and return to school for clearance.
  • Complete course of medication if indicated providing school with medication consent form if treatment required during school hours.
  • Nurse
  • Education of school personnel, parent/guardian, and student about conjunctivitis, including its mode of transmission and means of prevention.
  • Review Communicable Condition Log weekly providing follow up as indicated or requested.

UCPS 6-05 lsd