Pink eye epidemic results in medication shortage on Ambergris Caye

The number of cases of Conjunctivitis, or 'pink eye,' across Ambergris Caye has led to a medication shortage. The contagious virus is an inflammation or swelling of the conjunctiva which causes irritation and reddening of the eyes. To treat the symptoms doctors are prescribing special eye drops and creams that are now in short supply.

While medication is limited on the island, Dr. Salim from the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II says the number of people needing treatment has been decreasing. "We had hundreds of patients per day, it's down to like 50 patients per day". The polyclinic confirmed that they were out of medication for a while, but it is now available for patients. Pharmacists on the island are also reporting that they are out of medication, but efforts to provide more are underway. The most prescribed treatment is Ibuprofen for the pain and discomfort, and Chloramphenicol eye drops to prevent a superimposed bacterium.

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Is the high incidents of pink eye causing price gouging?

Conjunctivitis or pink eye is still on the rise and the price for pink eye related medication is as well. Last week, reports surfaced that several pharmacies across the country increased prices of pink eye medication in response to the spread of pink eye.

Reports are that representatives from several pharmacies are informing customers that the price depends on the brand and demand. We understand that the Belize Bureau of Standards has not received any complaint of the increase of pink eye medication which comes in the form of tablets, cream or eye drops.

Director of Health Services Dr. Marvin Manzanero told Love News that the low level of medication could be as a result of unavailability in the region. Dr. Manazanero said that the Ministry if monitoring stock levels and the ministry if is communications with suppliers to make sure that a stock out does not occur.

LOVEFM