Boy Scouts of America

Conjunctivitis/Pink Eye

SUMMARY

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a common inflammation or infection of the lining of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball. Conjunctivitis can occur in both adults and youth; it may be highly contagious and can be spread easily to others.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Conjunctivitis presents as a redness or pinkness in the appearance of the eyeball, often accompanied by watery or thick drainage. Most cases of conjunctivitis are due to viral or bacterial infections, allergens, or irritants. Bacterial or viral infections can be very contagious, so it is very important to use good handwashing techniques. All types of conjunctivitis typically go away by themselves, so generally the Scout or Scouter does not have to leave the campout or other event.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis may also include:

  • Crusty drainage on eyelids or lashes.
  • Itchy, irritated, or burning eye.
  • Increased tears.
  • Eye discharge that may be clear, yellow, white, or green.

Conjunctivitis is almost always painless and does not significantly diminish the vision. If there is a considerable change in vision, or if pain is involved, the infected person must receive advanced medical care. If the person infected is wearing contact lenses, they must be removed. If there is pain or blurred vision after removal, medical attention is needed promptly to rule out damage to the eye.

Most simple pink eye issues can be relieved with artificial tears, warm compresses, or gentle washing of the eyelid and eyelashes with a small amount of mild soap (like baby shampoo or camp suds) on a cloth to remove mucus or discharge. Be careful to use disposable gloves when treating the affected eyes to reduce the chance of spreading the infection.

Best Practices

  • Use good handwashing techniques as a preventative to stop the spread of infection.
  • Avoid rubbing the infected eye or touching your face.
  • Persons infected with conjunctivitis should not handle or prepare food.
  • Do not use communal food sources, e.g., a trail mix bag.
  • Do not share personal items such as towels, sleeping bags, etc.

RESOURCES

Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.