Epidemic adenoviral conjunctivitis report of an outbreak in a military garrison and recommendations for its management and prevention.

Objective: The study was conducted to document the cases of adenoviral conjunctivitis, evaluate its clinical patterns, prevent its transmission and reduce its severity and complications during an epidemic.

Methods: A total of 2968 cases of adenoviral conjunctivitis were documented during the months of June, July and August 2003. By simple randomization, 200 Patients were selected and divided into two groups on the basis of treatment. Group 1 (Treatment group) 40% patients were given topical anti-histamine/decongestant eye drops whereas Group 2 (Control group) 60% patients were managed conservatively by washing eyes with cold water and applying ice packs on the eyes.

Results: Highest incidence of the disease was seen in the month of July 2003. In most of cases (90%) both eyes of the respondents were affected. Acute illness lasted from 4.91 days in Group 1 and 7.86 days in Group 2. Commonly observed symptoms included redness, watering, itching, burning, pain in the eyes and photophobia. Duration of the illness was less and severity was mild in Group 1 patients as compared with Group 2 patients this was found to be statistically significant using T test (P< 0.05). None of the cases reported any complication after complete recovery from adenoviral conjunctivitis.

Conclusion: Adenoviral conjunctivitis is a highly contagious disease and often spreads in epidemics, particularly in crowded communities with poor hygiene. Prevention of transmission is the most important therapeutic measure particularly in the ophthalmic clinics of the hospitals. Although the disease is benign and self-limiting, cold compresses and topical anti-histamine/decongestant eye drops reduce the discomfort and severity of the disease.