By Bonginkosi Msezane
A significant number of students in the Durban University of Technology has started to miss lectures because of a pink eye outbreak. “I was really embarrassed to go to class with pink eye,” said second year Fine Arts student, Sengezo Ndlovu.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has confirmed that eThekwini Municipality is currently facing an outbreak and warns that it is highly infectious and requests that those who suspect to have it to stay away from others. “209 cases have been reported, most of them coming from Durban. Mostly in Durban, if we remember correctly, last year we had a similar outbreak of cases and it ended up spreading in the surrounding townships,” said KZN health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane.
In a statement, DUT has asked students and staff to be cautious. “If you develop pink eye, seek treatment from your regular healthcare provider or visit the DUT Clinics,” the statement reads.
The Department of Health says that it has set up dedicated clinics to treat Pink Eye cases and is working with healthcare providers to ensure that affected residents receive prompt medical attention.
DUT students say they’re worried that it isn’t just impacting their eyes for a short time until they get treatment. “I didn’t want to miss out on my lectures. It was really frustrating, this also affect the quality work I always produce since my vision is not normal,” said Ndlovu.
Some say it has developed a stigma that impacts on their mental health.
“I felt like everyone was staring at me, and I didn’t want to participate in class. It was a really difficult time,” said another DUT student, Sibusiso Mthembu.
To limit the spread of pink eye, students and staff are urged to:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water
- Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels and makeup
- Avoid touching eyes or face
- Keep children home from school if they show symptoms of Pink Eye
- Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms persist or worsen
