KAMPALA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, has broken out in Uganda, with cases reported in eight prisons across the East African country and in schools in the capital of Kampala, health authorities said on Thursday.

       The Ministry of Health said in a statement that as of Wednesday, a cumulative total of 790 cases had been diagnosed in the affected prison facilities, of which 711 had been declared recovered; a cumulative total of 954 cases had been registered in schools in Kampala.

       Conjunctivitis is a viral/bacterial disease and its symptoms include inflammation of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball, redness, itching, and discharge from the eye.

       According to the statement, viral conjunctivitis, the most common form, is highly contagious and can spread from person to person through direct contact and sharing of personal items, among other things.

       The statement said in order to control the spread of the disease, the ministry has initiated several measures, including promoting personal hygiene, managing and treating affected individuals, and sensitizing the public about preventive measures.