Government through the Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has urged Malawians not panic over the outbreak of pink eye disease that was reported in Karonga in January this year, as her ministry was doing everything to put the disease under control.

The minister made the assurance during a press briefing in Zomba on Thursday, saying the ministry was aware of Malawians’ concerns over the pink eye disease, adding that this is not a deadly disease.

“I decided to hold this press briefing to address the concerns of Malawians expressed through social media about the outbreak. As a ministry, we are aware of the disease that was reported in January in Karonga. The disease has also been reported in Nkhata Bay, Nkhotakota and Lilongwe districts.

“However, this disease can be controlled by following some of the preventive measures, like washing hands, avoiding handshakes, and avoiding sharing clothing and spectacles,” she added.

As immediate action, Chiponda said her ministry has intensified awareness campaigns and improved its surveillance system, on top of advising those suffering from pink eye to seek medical attention.

“Suffice to say that we have medicines in our health centres, those affected should seek medical assistance,” the minister further said.

Pink eye is an inflammation of the membrane that lies under the eye lid and ball and is commonly caused by a viral infection.