Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has directed an immediate stop to handshaking in the face of the conjunctivitis outbreak.

The minister made this directive today in Zomba at a press briefing on the outbreak of the disease, otherwise known as pink eye.

She said the disease transmits rapidly due to poor hygiene, thereby urging all people to avoid sharing towels, shaking hands, and borrowing sunglasses.

Kandodo said there is fear that the disease may spread countrywide if hygiene principles are not adhered to.

Conjunctivitis has hit Karonga, Nkhatabay, Nkhotakota, and Lilongwe. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include, but are not limited to, eye itching and discharge.

Source:ZBS