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Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis
P W Wright1, G H Strauss, M P Langford
1University of Texas Health Center, Tyler.
Abstract:
Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, an infection caused by enterovirus 70 and a variant of coxsackievirus A24, is characterized by the rapid onset of severely painful conjunctivitis and subconjunctival hemorrhage. The condition is usually benign and resolves in five to seven days; however, a polio-like paralysis (radiculomyelitis) develops in approximately one in 10,000 patients infected with enterovirus 70. No treatment is available. Information about acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis should be provided to patients and the community in order to prevent undue alarm, discourage home remedies and control the spread of this highly contagious disease.
Insights
Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, a viral eye infection, is typically mild but can rarely cause paralysis. Public education is crucial for prevention and managing this contagious disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) is a highly contagious viral eye infection.
- It is caused by enterovirus 70 (EV-70) and coxsackievirus A24 (CA-24v).
- AHC presents with sudden, severe conjunctivitis and subconjunctival hemorrhage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical characteristics of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis.
- To highlight the potential for rare but serious neurological complications.
- To emphasize the importance of public health information and disease control.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of clinical observations.
- Analysis of epidemiological data related to EV-70 and CA-24v infections.
- Review of documented complications and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- AHC typically resolves within 5–7 days with a generally benign prognosis.
- A rare complication, polio-like paralysis (radiculomyelitis), occurs in approximately 1 in 10,000 EV-70 infections.
- No specific antiviral treatment is currently available for AHC.
Conclusions:
- Effective patient and community education is vital to prevent alarm and discourage ineffective home remedies.
- Public health strategies should focus on controlling the spread of this contagious viral infection.
- Awareness of potential neurological complications, though rare, is important for healthcare providers.