What is pink eye?

  • People often call conjunctivitis “pink eye” because it can cause the white of the eye to take on a pink or red color. Symptoms of pink eye can vary but typically include redness or swelling of the white of the eye.
  • The most common causes of conjunctivitis (pink eye) are
    • viruses
    • bacteria
    • allergens
  • Other causes include
    • chemicals
    • contact lens wear
    • foreign bodies in the eye (like a loose eyelash)
    • indoor and outdoor air pollution caused, for example, by smoke, dust, fumes, or chemical vapors
    • fungi
    • ameba and parasites
  • It can be difficult to determine the exact cause of conjunctivitis because some symptoms may be the same no matter the cause.

Is this a reportable illness?

  • This is not a reportable illness to CDPH but consult with your school nurse to confirm this diagnosis with parents or the medical provider.
    • Pink eye is not required to be reported. You may notify CDPH of large clusters of cases or cases with unusual severity of illness.

What do schools need to do next?

  • Most children do not need to be excluded from school.
  • The sick person should be excluded if:
    • It is accompanied by symptoms of systemic illness or if the child is unable to keep hands away from eye. 
    • Childcare rules: states to exclude if purulent drainage (pus) until after 24 hours of treatment
  • Due to the variety of causes of pink eye antibiotics, a doctors note is not required.
  • No action for close contacts.
  • No special cleaning.

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