Tag

Pink Eye

All articles tagged with #pink eye

sports2 years ago

"Twins' Castro and Gallo benched due to pink eye outbreak"

Minnesota Twins third baseman Willi Castro and outfielder Joey Gallo were scratched from the lineup due to pink eye, a contagious infection that had been spreading through the clubhouse. Castro was unable to wear his contact lenses, and both players were replaced before the game against the Chicago White Sox. The Twins went on to win 9-4 and maintain their two-game lead over Cleveland in the AL Central.

health2 years ago

New COVID-19 Variant in San Diego Causes Pink Eye.

San Diego County public health experts warn that XBB.1.16, an emerging offshoot of the Omicron variant, may soon take up a larger share of local COVID-19 cases. The new variant, informally called "Arcturus," has been associated with itchy, watery eyes, which may be a sign of COVID-19. XBB.1.16 has only held a small proportion of COVID-19 cases since it was first spotted in local wastewater in March, but the World Health Organization has called it a "variant of interest." Health care workers in California are not required to report pink eye to the government, making it difficult to track how closely the variant runs in parallel with reports of itchy, watery eyes.

health2 years ago

The Link Between Pink Eye and COVID-19 Strains

Doctors are suggesting that if you have pink eye and a fever, you should test for COVID-19, as the newest subvariant of the omicron variant, Arcturus, is believed to be the most infectious strain of COVID yet and is correlated with increased cases of conjunctivitis. While pink eye isn’t fun, it fortunately usually doesn’t require treatment from a doctor. The good news about Arcturus is that it doesn’t seem any more likely to result in severe COVID-19 illness than any other recent variant, and vaccines are still effective at preventing the worst outcomes of a COVID infection.

health2 years ago

"New COVID-19 sub-variant Arcturus causes concern with unusual symptoms"

The Amarillo Public Health Department warns residents of the new COVID-19 sub-variant, XBB.1.16, which appears to be more contagious and could produce pink eye, mainly among children. The department reported 59 new COVID-19 cases and one COVID-19-related death between April 27 and May 3, with 321 active COVID-19 cases and a 5% seven-day positivity rate as of May 3. The department stresses the importance of getting vaccinated and offers free vaccines and boosters with no appointment required at Amarillo Public Health and various mobile vaccine clinics.

health2 years ago

"Arcturus COVID Variant: Symptoms and Concerns"

The Arcturus subvariant of COVID-19, also known as XBB.1.16, is spreading rapidly in the US and is expected to outpace the current dominant strain by summer due to its high transmissibility. While it is currently classified as a "variant under monitoring," it is presenting with a higher prevalence of pink eye as a symptom, along with higher fevers. Other symptoms reported in children include high fever and cough. Classic COVID symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath are also present.

health2 years ago

New COVID Strain Brings Back Irritating Symptoms, Warn Health Officials.

A new subvariant of COVID-19, XBB.1.16, also known as Arcturus, is spreading in the US and may be causing an increase in cases of conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has warned that itchy, watery, or red eyes may be a sign of a COVID-19 infection and should not be dismissed as seasonal allergies. While it is too early to know with certainty if XBB.1.16 is associated with higher rates of conjunctivitis, residents are encouraged to take extra precautions to avoid infection, including staying up to date on vaccinations, frequent hand washing, and staying home when feeling sick.

health2 years ago

Pink Eye Linked to COVID-19 Variants

Pink eye has been identified as a new symptom of COVID-19, particularly in children, according to infectious disease experts. The symptom is attributed to a mutated version of the Omicron variant called Arcturus, which is highly transmissible but responds to existing vaccines. Federal guidelines allow those at higher risk for severe disease to receive an extra shot of an updated version of the Pfizer or Moderna booster dose. Experts urge parents to keep children with symptoms of fever or respiratory infections at home and not send them to school.

health2 years ago

"Understanding the Arcturus COVID Variant: Symptoms and Threats"

The "Arcturus" COVID variant, also known as XBB.1.16, has been climbing in prevalence around the US and globally, but health officials say it does not seem to be causing new or worse symptoms compared to other variants. Some have pointed to "pink eye" as a potential new symptom caused by the variant, but health authorities have downplayed this, saying it is a known symptom of COVID-19. Preliminary analyses suggest that vaccines may still be effective against the variant, and federal officials think a single vaccine recipe might be able to boost against all of them this fall.

health2 years ago

Understanding the Surge in Pink Eye Cases in Florida

Cases of pink eye or conjunctivitis are on the rise in Central Florida and the United States, caused by allergies, viruses, bacteria, and a new strain of COVID-19 called arcturus. While anyone can get pink eye, it's a big problem for kids who are playing with each other at school or daycare. Pink eye is highly contagious, so it's best to stay home from school or work, wash your hands, keep your distance, and see a doctor.

health2 years ago

Arcturus COVID-19 strain linked to pink eye by LA County health officials.

Los Angeles County health officials are warning residents that a new strain of COVID-19, Arcturus or XBB.1.16, may be linked to pink eye, although health experts have not conclusively confirmed the connection. The health department advises residents to take the same COVID precautions to avoid infection and to be aware that itchy, watery, or red eyes may be a sign of COVID-19 infection. Current vaccines and therapeutics are highly likely to remain protective against the new strain. Pink eye can be painful, itchy, and highly contagious, and if left untreated, it can cause damage to the cornea.

health2 years ago

Arcturus: The New COVID Variant to Watch Out For

The new COVID-19 variant, Arcturus, also known as XBB.1.16, is linked to conjunctivitis or pink eye, particularly in children. While it is highly transmissible, it does not cause more severe cases than other strains. Existing vaccines and treatments appear to work well against it. About 1% to 3% of COVID patients have had pink eye as a symptom, but there is no recent data on Arcturus and conjunctivitis. Symptoms of COVID pink eye are similar to other pink eye viral infections, and treatments vary depending on the type of infection. Personal hygiene is important to prevent the spread of pink eye.

health2 years ago

Pink Eye Infections on the Rise in North Carolina

A North Carolina optometrist and Rowan County Board of Health member reported an increase in pink-eye infections caused by viral infections, which behave like Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). EKC is a painful eye condition that can last for over two weeks, causing missed work and school. Symptoms include redness, swelling of the eyelids, sensitivity to light, clear, watery discharge, blurred vision, and eye pain. Prevention is key, and proper precautions can reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the infection to others. There is no vaccine that can treat or prevent EKC.

health2 years ago

New COVID Variant Linked to Unusual Symptom in Children.

A new COVID-19 subvariant, XBB.1.16 or "Arcturus," is responsible for nearly 10% of new COVID-19 infections in the U.S. and has been associated with itchy conjunctivitis, especially in children. While federal health officials have not confirmed eye infections as a common COVID-19 symptom, doctors are raising concerns about the potential for increased spread this spring and summer due to the variant's potential to spread more easily. It is important to monitor for other well-documented COVID-19 symptoms and seek medical attention if experiencing discharge or pink eye. Vaccination remains crucial in protecting against severe symptoms and complications.