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“Mom, my eyes hurt so much.”
When her nine-year-old child woke up, his eyes were covered in discharge. It was not the typical eye discharge. She flipped the child’s eyelids and quickly suspected an eye infection, as the white part of his eyes had turned bright red.
The hospital diagnosed the child with viral conjunctivitis, also known as epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). The doctor suggested that the infection might have been contracted at a water park they visited the previous week. A few days later, she developed the same symptoms, even though her eyes had never come into contact with water.
As summer progresses, cases of EKC are increasing. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the number of suspected EKC cases per 1,000 outpatients rose to 6.9 between July 21 and July 30, a 25% increase from the previous week’s rate of 5.5.
EKC tends to be more common in the summer, with a steady rise in cases since early July (Week 27, 4.6 cases per 1,000). The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency expects cases to continue increasing as the monsoon season ends and the peak vacation period begins.
EKC is an inflammatory disease caused by adenoviruses that affect the conjunctiva and cornea. It is known for its high level of contagiousness.
The main symptoms include eye discharge, a foreign body sensation, eyelid swelling, conjunctival bleeding, pain, tearing, and light sensitivity. Systemic symptoms such as high fever and sore throat may accompany the condition in children.
Dr. Kim Tae Im, an ophthalmologist at Severance Hospital, explained, “The eyes become very red, with significant discharge and pain. Sometimes, it may also be accompanied by cold symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes or a mild fever.”
Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) poses significant challenges due to its high contagion rate and incubation period. Individuals can spread the virus for about 4 to 5 days before they even realize they are infected.
Kim emphasized, “The risk of spreading the virus is very high if you share towels or washcloths with family members before symptoms appear.” He noted, “In environments where people live in close quarters, such as schools or military camps, or during activities like swimming at vacation spots, individuals with conjunctivitis can unknowingly transmit the infection, making it highly contagious.”
Hot weather exacerbates the virus’s activity, increasing its transmissibility. Adenoviruses can spread through direct and indirect contact and through water, which leads to a spike in cases during the summer when water activities are prevalent.
The virus remains contagious for up to two weeks after symptoms appear. This means it can be transmitted to others for up to three weeks, encompassing the illness’s incubation period and duration.
Another challenge with EKC is that, while the symptoms can be severe, there is no specific antiviral treatment. The management approach is limited to alleviating symptoms and supporting natural recovery.
Kim explained, “Currently, there is no direct treatment for the virus. We focus on relieving symptoms while allowing the body to heal naturally. However, in some cases, EKC can result in corneal opacities or persist for an extended period.”
Complications may also arise, including vision impairment, dry eyes, eyelid drooping, and adhesion between the eyelid and conjunctiva.
Kim said, “If symptoms appear, do not dismiss them as minor eye infections. It is crucial to consult a specialist and receive appropriate treatment to prevent complications and long-term issues.”
Preventive measures are essential. Patients should avoid crowded areas like swimming pools, bathhouses, and other communal places. Eye drops should be applied solely to the infected eye and not shared.
Family members in close contact with the patient should use separate towels, pillows, soap, and blankets. Additionally, hands should be washed with running water for at least 30 seconds after touching commonly shared objects like phones and doorknobs. It is also essential to avoid touching or rubbing the eyes.