Parts of The Gambia are experiencing a rise in cases of conjunctivitis, commonly known locally as ‘apollo’, prompting public health warnings and calls for the public to observe proper hygiene. The infection has hit different parts of the country, including the Greater Banjul Area, Lower River Region, Central River Region, and Upper River Region, in recent weeks.
On Oct. 15, 2026, the Ministry of Health, through its official Facebook page, urged the public to take eye redness seriously and advised people to wash their hands frequently, avoid rubbing their eyes and refrain from sharing personal belongings.
A report on Gambia Daily highlights the risk of transmission in households, schools, workplaces and other shared environments. However, the report does not provide the current national case count or identify the specific infectious agent responsible for the reported cases.
What exactly is Apollo?
‘Apollo’ is the popular name for an infectious eye condition commonly associated with conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the thin, transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.
It is a highly contagious form of viral conjunctivitis that can cause sudden eye redness and swelling, as well as bleeding beneath the eye’s surface.
Sainey Saho, a public health officer at Banjulinding Health Centre with over seven years of experience, explained that Apollo, commonly known as pink eye, can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies and irritants.
“Viral conjunctivitis is often associated with a cold and is highly contagious, while bacterial conjunctivitis can spread through contact with infected eye discharge, contaminated hands or objects. Allergic conjunctivitis, which may be triggered by dust or pollen, is not contagious,” Saho explained.
Meanwhile, Nurse Nyima Sanyang, a health advocate and nurse at Kanifing General Hospital, advised the public to observe proper hygiene to prevent the spread of the infection.
“People should avoid touching or rubbing their eyes, wash their hands frequently and refrain from sharing personal items such as towels, pillowcases and eye drops. Anyone experiencing eye pain, sensitivity to light or blurred vision should seek medical attention,” she advised.
Acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) was named ‘Apollo 11 disease’ because its first major outbreak in Ghana coincided with the historic Apollo 11 moon landing in July 1969.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, an official United States government website, notes that viruses, bacteria, allergens and irritants cause the disease.
According to a scientific study published in BMC Research Notes in December 2017, an outbreak of acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis occurred in The Gambia in 2011. Researchers found evidence suggesting the Coxsackievirus A24 variant caused the outbreak.
However, these historical findings do not establish which infectious agent is responsible for the cases currently being reported in The Gambia.
What are the symptoms?
Apollo may affect one or both eyes. Common symptoms include:
- Red or bloodshot eyes.
- Excessive tearing or watery discharge.
- Itching, burning and irritation.
- A gritty sensation, as though something is in the eye.
- Swollen eyelids.
- Discharge that causes the eyelids to stick together after sleeping.
In acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis, symptoms may develop suddenly, and small areas of bleeding may appear beneath the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane covering the white part of the eye.
A health explainer published by The Standard in February 2023 also describes the symptoms, causes and transmission of conjunctivitis.
Although many cases resolve without lasting complications, symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause. A person with red eyes should not automatically assume it is ‘Apollo’, as several conditions can cause red eyes.
How does ‘Apollo’ spread?
Infectious conjunctivitis can spread through contact with infected eye secretions, contaminated hands and objects.
Transmission may occur when people touch their eyes with unwashed hands or share personal items such as towels, face cloths, pillows, handkerchiefs and eye cosmetics.
How can people protect themselves?
The following precautions can help reduce transmission:
1. Wash your hands regularly. Use soap and clean water, especially after touching your face or cleaning discharge around the eyes.
2. Avoid rubbing your eyes. Touching infected eyes can transfer germs to your hands and other surfaces.
3. Do not share personal items. Do not share towels, face cloths, pillows, handkerchiefs, cosmetics, or eye drops.
4. Keep shared surfaces clean—regularly clean frequently touched objects, particularly in schools, workplaces and households where someone has symptoms.
5. Limit close contact when symptomatic. People with suspected infectious conjunctivitis should seek medical advice and follow guidance on reducing exposure to others.
6. Seek professional medical advice. Anyone experiencing redness, discharge or persistent irritation should consult a qualified health professional rather than relying on self-diagnosis.
Is there a treatment for Apollo?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Viral conjunctivitis often clears up on its own, usually within one to two weeks, although some cases may last longer. A clean, cool compress and lubricating eye drops may help relieve discomfort.
Antibiotics do not treat viral infections, although a healthcare professional may prescribe them for certain bacterial infections. Steroid eye drops can worsen some eye conditions and should not be used without appropriate medical supervision.
People should avoid applying lemon juice, chilli preparations, urine, herbal mixtures or other unverified substances to their eyes. These remedies can irritate or damage the eyes and worsen the condition.
The 2017 scientific study on the Gambian outbreak specifically discusses the use of traditional substances on affected eyes and the potential for further irritation.
When should someone seek urgent medical care?
Although many cases of conjunctivitis resolve without lasting complications, a red eye should not be assumed harmless.
Anyone experiencing severe eye pain, blurred or reduced vision, intense sensitivity to light, or severe redness should seek urgent medical assessment. These symptoms may indicate a more serious eye condition that requires prompt treatment.
People whose symptoms worsen or fail to improve should also seek medical advice.
Is there an outbreak of Apollo in The Gambia?
Recent media reports have documented an increase in cases and public health advice from The Gambia’s Ministry of Health. However, the reports cited here do not establish the current national case count, the cause of the recently reported cases or whether the government has formally declared an outbreak.
The public should follow verified updates from the Ministry of Health and seek advice from qualified eye-care professionals.
Conclusion
The renewed reports of ‘Apollo’ cases in The Gambia highlight the importance of preventing the spread of infectious eye conditions through good hygiene and appropriate precautions.
Frequent handwashing, avoiding the sharing of personal belongings, seeking timely medical advice and avoiding unprescribed eye treatments can help protect individuals, families and communities.