The Yobe State Specialist Hospital in Potiskum has confirmed several cases of conjunctivitis, popularly known as Apollo, as residents express concern about the spread of the infection.
Health officials have advised residents to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and seek medical attention when symptoms appear.
Dr Abubakar Sadiq Zakari, Chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, said the facility had recorded a number of conjunctivitis cases.
Zakari represented the Medical Director of the hospital while speaking about the situation.
He said the actual number of infections could be higher because some affected residents might not visit health facilities and could instead treat themselves at home.
The warning is significant because untreated eye infections may worsen or spread to other members of a household.
Residents Report Symptoms
Residents in different parts of Potiskum have reported red or swollen eyes, itching, pain and watery discharge.
Some residents said several members of the same family had developed similar symptoms, raising concern about rapid transmission.
Haladu Badejo described the situation as alarming and said the infection appeared to be spreading quickly.
Idris Bello Danchuawa said: “Subhanallahi! Apollo Disease (Ciwon Ido) is still spreading in Potiskum.”
Another patient, Abubakar Suleiman, 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.
Officials Explain Prevention
Zakari advised residents to wash their hands regularly and avoid touching their eyes.
He also told residents not to share towels, clothing, bedding, utensils or other personal items.
People who develop symptoms should limit close contact with others and seek medical attention rather than rely solely on self-medication.
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. It may spread through direct contact with infected fluid or contaminated surfaces, depending on its cause.
Dr Maryam Ahmed Mustapha, a medical doctor, said Apollo was highly contagious and could spread through close contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces.
She dismissed the belief that looking into the eyes of an infected person could transmit the infection.
Ministry Activates Response
The Yobe State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Muhammad Lawan Gana, said the ministry had activated measures to contain the infection.
He said health messages had been developed and shared with stakeholders and through social media.
Health Promotion Officers had also been directed to sensitise communities through Village Community Mobilisers.
The Yobe State Primary Health Care Board advised residents to wash their hands with soap and clean water and avoid touching their eyes.
The board also warned residents against sharing towels, handkerchiefs, eye drops and eyeglasses.
Officials Warn Against Harmful Remedies
The board warned residents not to put urine, breast milk, sugar solution, cow dung or battery liquid into their eyes.
It said such substances could cause permanent eye damage or blindness.
Kasim Muhammad Isah said the outbreak had led many residents to wear glasses in an attempt to protect themselves.
“There is no doubt that the people of Potiskum are facing this Apollo epidemic. Almost every household is affected,” he said.
Isah called on the government to take stronger action, while Alhaji Abdurrahman Santurankin Yandiski asked authorities to increase public awareness and health guidance.
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