Symptoms of New COVID-19 Variant Include Pink Eye

Cecilio Eck

A new variant of the COVID-19 virus sweeping India shows unique symptoms in children.  The sub-variant of Omicron has been identified in twenty-two countries, including Singapore, Australia, the U.K. and the U.S.  The spread of the strain, first detected in late January, is worrying experts, as it seems to exhibit unique symptoms in children, one of which is conjunctivitis.  According to pediatrician, Doctor Cecilio Eck, tests conducted at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital have returned negative.

Dr. Cecilio Eck, Pediatrician

“An Indian pediatrician reported a rapid rise of COVID-19 infections in children and the number one symptom that was new was a non-purulent pink eye.  So the kids would come in with pink eye, in our terminology, but without the pus.  I know post-Easter, we are seeing a lot of kids now with pink eye, but I think it’s secondary to the pool that they were going into and all the ones that we’ve been testing at KHMH have been coming back negative so far.  It’s just that the world is a small place now and it could spread to us. Just to be vigilant still.”