The Yobe State Specialist Hospital, Potiskum, has confirmed cases of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, known as Apollo, warning residents and commuters against its spread in the state.

The hospital,consequently, urged them to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and observe preventive measures in containing the spread of infection.

Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) of the Hospital, Dr Abubakar Zakari, who represented the Medical Director of the hospital said the facility had recorded a number of Apollo cases.

He added that the actual number of cases could be higher as some of the affected persons may not seek medical attention but treat themselves at home.

Zakari, therefore advised residents to wash their hands regularly, avoid touching their eyes and refrain from sharing towels, clothes, bedding, utensils and other personal items.

He also urged infected persons to limit close contact with others and seek medical attention when symptoms develop.

The State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Muhammad Gana, said the ministry had activated measures to contain the infectious disease.

He said key messages had been developed and shared with stakeholders and through social media, while Health Promotion Officers had been directed to sensitise communities through Village Community Mobilisers.

It was reported that residents in different parts of Potiskum had reported increasing cases of red or swollen eyes, itching, pain and watery discharge.

Some residents said several members of the same family had been inffected, raising fears of rapid transmission.

A resident, Goni Alkali, described the situation as alarming, saying the disease was spreading rapidly.

Another resident, Idris Bello Danchuawa, said: “Subhanallahi! Apollo Disease (Ciwon Ido) is still spreading in Potiskum.”

A patient, Musa Abdu, said the infection had become a serious concern in the town.

“This Apollo eye infection has become like an epidemic in Potiskum. We have not seen an illness spreading like this for a long time. It is difficult to visit two houses without finding someone infected with the disease,” he said.

Abdu said the infection caused severe redness and pain, adding that some patients recovered after using eye drops and oral medication.

Meanwhile, the Yobe State Primary Health Care Board advised residents to wash their hands regularly with soap and clean water and avoid touching their eyes or sharing towels, handkerchiefs, eye drops and eyeglasses.

The board warned against putting substances such as urine, breast milk, sugar solution, cow dung or battery liquid into the eyes, saying they could cause permanent damage or blindness.

Dr Maryam Mustapha, said Apollo was highly contagious and could spread through close contact with infected persons or contaminated surfaces.

She, therefore dismissed the belief that looking into the eyes of an infected person could cause the disease, urging residents to maintain good hand hygiene and seek medical attention when symptoms develop.