AN OUTBREAK OF ADENOVIRAL KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is a viral conjunctivitis caused by a group of adenoviruses. This family of adenoviruses contains different serotypes that can also cause pharyngoconjunctival fever and nonspecific follicular conjunctivitis. EKC is highly contagious and has a tendency to occur in epidemics. It has been reported worldwide. The aim of the study is to describe an outbreak of adenoviral keratoconjuctivitisWe report an outbreaks of adenoviral keratoconjuctivitis that occurred during November 2012?March April 2013 at outpatients clinic in city of Tirana. A field investigation was conducted. All cases were identified and also the HAdV serotype.In April 2013, an investigation after being informed of an EKC outbreak at an outpatient ophthalmology practice that predominately served elderly patients (4). During November 2012?March April 2013, 26 persons were clinically diagnosed with EKC, including the two staff physician, who continued to work while symptomatic. Among those patients, 15 (58%) visited the ophthalmology practice within 16 days before onset of their symptoms. Six (23%) patients developed keratitis requiring long-term topical steroid treatment. Conjunctival specimens collected for viral culture from four patients were all positive for HAdV-8. Outpatient clinics, hospitals, and other facilities that provide ophthalmologic care should have protocols in place to prevent transmission of EKC. Infection control measures used by the clinics before and after the outbreak varied