Neonatal Conjunctivitis
Alternate Names : Ophthalmia Neonatorum
What can be done to prevent the disease?
Many cases of neonatal conjunctivitis can be prevented by screening and
treating pregnant women
for STDs. Putting silver nitrate or antibiotic drops in newborns'
eyes right after birth helps prevent gonococcal conjunctivitis. Infants born to
mothers who have chlamydia infection should be treated with oral
antibiotics.
What are the long-term effects of the disease?
Untreated gonococcal conjunctivitis can cause permanent
scarring and blindness. Infections with pseudomonas can cause similar damage to
the eye. This type of infection may also lead to bloodstream infection,
shock,
and death. Infants infected with chlamydia can develop pneumonia.
What are the risks to others?
Neonatal conjunctivitis can be passed from infant to infant in a nursery. This
can happen if caregivers don't use good handwashing techniques.
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