Watch Out for Adenovirus

Watch Out for Adenovirus Prof. Dr. Ulviye Yiğit, Head of the Ocular Infection Unit at the Turkish Ophthalmological Society, has warned the public about protective measures after reporting a surge in cases of conjunctivitis caused by adenovirus over the past month, reaching epidemic levels. The Turkish Ophthalmological Society, which represents eye doctors in Turkey, has cautioned that adenoviruses, known particularly for causing respiratory tract diseases, can also cause serious infections in the eyes. Prof. Dr. Ulviye Yiğit, Head of the Ocular Infection Unit at the Turkish Ophthalmological Society, noted that symptoms in eyes affected by adenovirus can persist for weeks, the virus spreads very rapidly especially among family members, and the disease can even lead to vision loss.

Be Careful with Close Contact

Prof. Dr. Ulviye Yiğit noted a rapid increase in recent weeks in cases of conjunctivitis, commonly known as red eye disease among the public, and stated that with the relaxation of pandemic measures, viral infections have negatively affected the eyes. Drawing attention to the fact that adenoviruses causing respiratory tract infections also have types that cause inflammation in the eye, Prof. Dr. Yiğit pointed out that the disease is highly contagious and spreads rapidly among family members, especially through close contact, poor hygiene, and hand-to-eye contact. She emphasized that the risk is particularly higher in younger age groups such as kindergarten, where preventing contact is more difficult.

It Spreads Rapidly and Carries Risk of Vision Loss

Emphasizing that the disease spreads very quickly and is highly contagious especially within families or among people in very close contact, Prof. Dr. Yiğit stated: "We are seeing the conjunctivitis presentation more frequently. Lymph node enlargement, or adenopathy in front of the ear, also accompanies the conjunctivitis. If cloudiness develops beneath the cornea, which is the transparent layer of the eye, these require very different treatment. It can even lead to vision loss. In adenoviral conjunctivitis, symptoms generally begin a few days after exposure. Although it may start in one eye, in about 50 percent of cases, the other eye can be affected within a week. It starts with redness in the eye, tearing, discharge, light sensitivity, and enlargement of the lymph node in front of the ear. If it will affect the other eye, symptoms can appear there within a few days." she said.

Kindergarten Children at Risk

Noting that patients can apply cold or warm water compresses to their eyes at home, Prof. Dr. Ulviye Yiğit continued with her recommendations: "Very clean cotton and boiled water or tea should be used. These have no harm. Additionally, anti-inflammatory drops recommended after examination can be used. Antibiotic and corticosteroid drops should not be used except in special cases. One of the risk-increasing behaviors we most frequently encounter is when one family member is ill, other family members use the medication given to that person to protect themselves. This is one of the situations that accelerates transmission within the family. Because the tip of the dropper comes into contact with one eye, and if another person uses it afterwards, transmission occurs more rapidly. The pediatric age group seems particularly riskier to me. Because if one child has it in kindergarten, no matter how much effort our teachers or parents make, it is unfortunately impossible to isolate them. That is why it can spread much more rapidly in the school-age group."