Abstract

Study design: Cross-sectional. Aim: Report epidemiological features of an outbreak of viral conjunctivitis (VC). Methods: Population-based survey in rural & urban areas of district in central India. Results: Of 951 subjects, 309 had VC. Attack (incidence) rate overall was 309 32.5%; 95% CI: 22.3 – 28.9%), urban was 25.4% (95% CI: 22.3% – 28.9%), rural was 49.0% (95% CI: 43.2% – 54.8%). Household secondary attack rate was 71.5% (95% CI: 59.6 – 69.7%). 100% family members had VC after index case in 55% households. VC more in adults (p=0.003), rural (p < 0.001), lower literacy (p=0.012), employed (p<0.001) and low socioeconomic class (p=0.030). 13.9% subjects did not seek treatment and 40% patients continued work or school . 80% used some protective measures. Conclusion: The outbreak characterised by high attack rates & more in rural than urban population. Severity was mild as many did not seek treatment, and continued work/school. Majority used protective measures to prevent spread.