Eye infection warning

JAKARTA: The public have been warned about the possibility of eye infections after an outbreak due to the change of season.

Eye specialist Dr. Sjafril Murad, of West Jakarta's Pelni Petamburan Hospital, said many patients had come to the hospital suffering from red and swollen eyes.

The disease was caused by a virus which could easily infect others, he said on Tuesday.

"Everybody can get infected, even the doctor himself. Usually patients need one week to be cured."

He called on the public to watch out for the symptoms of red and itchy eyes.

"Doctors will usually prescribe anti-viral agents and eye drops."

Sjafril suggested the public wipe infected eyes with sterile bandages soaked in betadine. He also urged those effected to avoid eating seafood including shrimp and fish.

Eye infections was just one of many diseases that effected flood victims after diarrhea and dengue fever. -- Antara