Guatemala: Pink Eye outbreak; school affected

(17 Sep 03) An outbreak of conjuntivitus is sending hundreds of Guatemalans to area hospitals for treatment of the highly contagious eye infection. Also known as Pink Eye, the infection is striking adults and children alike across the country. "Today, we had to send home [three students] with this illness because it is very contagious," writes Guadalupe Zamora, administrator of Redentor del Mundo Lutheran School. He goes on to explain that this is a major worry since many families cannot afford to pay for the needed medical treatment. According to the national newspaper "Prensa Libre," the outbreak has not reached the level of epidemic, but the Minister of Health is calling upon the public to exercise extra care in preventing the spread of the disease.