Epidemic acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Enterovirus 70 has recently emerged as a causative agent of epidemic acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC). This paper is a report of the first association of enterovirus 70 with epidemic AHC in Nigeria. Despite numerous symptoms, including reduction in visual acuity, eventual recovery in 2 to 3 weeks with no functional loss was the rule except in 11 patients. Five of these patients ended up with superficial corneal scarring. Two had evisceration for unresolving panophthalmitis, while 4 went blind from ruptured corneal abscesses or ulcers. All the 11 patients had treated themselves or used traditional medications. None of the patients had signs of involvement of the central nervous system.