The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asked parents to take extra care on their children’s eyes as eye infections are increasing since the school term kicked off.

According to the center, which received reports from 80 medical facilities nationwide, the number of people with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis infection was 1,445 between Aug 21 and 27, shortly after schools resumed their second semesters. The figure is about a 17.5 percent jump from a month earlier.

During the same period, the number of students suffering with acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis was 394, about a 71.3 percent rise from previous months. About half of both kinds of patients were under 19 years old.

“Extra attention should be given to school classrooms, nurseries and other places where youths gather because kids could pass on the contagious disease,” the KCDC said.

“Students need to mind personal hygiene and visit their doctors immediately once disorders are detected,” it added.

The center has asked people to wash their hands with soap often and refrain from touching the eyes or facial area. Those with the infection are advised to stay indoors for two weeks to prevent further infection to others.

(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)