The Centre for Health Protection urged people to guard against acute conjunctivitis, or red-eye syndrome, as the consultation rates of the disease at private clinics rose to 7.2 per 1,000 consultations in the week ending August 2, up from 4.1 and 4.5 in the previous two weeks.

The figures at general out-patient clinics were at the baseline level of 1.3 per 1,000 consultations in the same week. No institutional outbreak has been recorded since May.

The disease is a contagious condition mostly caused by bacteria and viruses. Transmission usually occurs through direct contact with discharges from the eyes or upper respiratory tracts of infected people, or indirectly through contaminated fingers, clothing and other articles.

Symptoms include irritation, tearing, pain and redness of the eyes. Full recovery is usually within one to two weeks with proper treatment.

People, especially swimmers, should strictly observe personal hygiene. Click here for details.