The mother of Brown Mauzo describes her experience with a pink eye epidemic

Mombasa is grappling with a concerning surge of conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as “pink eye” or “red eye,” causing distress among residents. Among the affected individuals is Fatima Idha, the mother of musician Brown Mauzo, who took to social media to share her harrowing experience with the eye infection.

In videos posted on her social media accounts, Fatima described the severity of the condition, stating, “So I just wiped my eyes some seconds ago [but you can still see the ooze]. It is terrible; it is horrible. You feel like there is chili in your eyes.”

She further detailed the pain, noting, “My whole face is swollen; I feel like I’m swollen everywhere. I cannot open my eyes. I see blurry.”

Attempting to convey the sensation of the eye infection, she likened it to the discomfort experienced when opening her eyes underwater in the sea, describing it as a burning sensation. The infection became so severe that Fatima sought medical attention on January 22.

In an update, she revealed, “I had to go to the hospital and get some medication, and I still look and feel horrible, not only my face but I feel like my neck is also swelling. This thing is really bad; I have to go for treatment for three more days.”

Reports from both private and public hospitals in the Coast region, including the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital, have confirmed the rise in cases of conjunctivitis, a highly contagious eye disease.

Mombasa County’s Public Health and Disease Prevention Chief Officer, Abdalla Daleno, acknowledged the outbreak but assured residents that efforts are underway to curb the spread of the disease.

Daleno emphasised the importance of hand hygiene in managing conjunctivitis, advising people to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

For situations where soap and water are not available, he recommended using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Daleno also urged residents to avoid touching their faces, especially their eyes, with unwashed hands and to refrain from rubbing their eyes, as this could introduce germs and irritants.

Patients with conjunctivitis were advised to use a tissue or the inside of their elbow when rubbing or scratching their eyes and to maintain personal hygiene by not sharing personal items like towels, pillowcases, or eye makeup.