This group of infections also includes pharyngoconjunctival fever and many other adenoviral strains that produce nonspecific follicular conjunctivitis. EKC is highly contagious and has the tendency to occur in epidemics. It has been reported worldwide. One of the most common causes of acute viral conjunctivitis with unique clinical features is that it produces a sudden onset of acute follicular conjunctivitis with watery discharge, hyperemia, chemosis and ipsilateral preauricular lymphadenopathy. Both membranes and pseudomembranes can occur in EKC with a distinguishing corneal involvement that ranges from diffuse, fine, superficial keratitis to epithelial defects to subepithelial opacities.
Diagnosis is mainly clinical.
In severe cases, mild topical corticosteroids can be used, especially for the subepithelial opacities. Direct contact with eye secretions is the major mode of transmission. Other possible methods of transmission are through air droplets and possibly swimming pools. Adenovirus can be recovered from the eye and throat for as long as 14 days after onset of clinical symptoms. The infamous role of the medical profession in spreading the disease is well documented in the literature.