Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), a contagious, severe form of viral conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) can cause pain and blurred vision. EKC outbreaks are often associated with eye care settings, with investigations of clinic transmission often pointing to contamination of multi-use drops and tonometer devices. Clustered EKC infections should be reported to the appropriate state or local health department.

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Helpful resources to assist with EKC outbreak investigation include:

• A sample line list and sample EKC patient notification letter from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
• CDC’s resource, Prevent EKC, provides guidance on how to disinfect surfaces and equipment to help prevent and control the spread of EKC in eye clinics
• A CDC MMWR summary of outbreaks in four states which listed routine measures to prevent EKC including:
  1. strict adherence to hand hygiene among staff members,
  2. use of disposable gloves for any potential contact with eye secretions,
  3. disinfection of ophthalmic instruments after each use (or use of disposable equipment),
  4. cohorting of suspected conjunctivitis patients (separate waiting room, sign-in area, and examination room), and
  5. furloughing of staff members who have signs and symptoms consistent with EKC

In addition, the following CDC outbreak reports describe measures to prevent EKC transmission, such as the use of disposable gloves for potential contact with eye secretions, disposable tonometer tips, disinfectants efficacious against adenoviruses for tonometers and slit lamps, and using single-use eye drops when available:

• Outbreak of Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis Caused by Human Adenovirus Type D53 in an Eye Care Clinic — Los Angeles County, 2017
• Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis Outbreak Associated with Human Adenovirus Type 8 — U.S. Virgin Islands, June–November 2016
• Adenovirus-Associated Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis Outbreaks — Four States, 2008–2010