Understanding the Outbreak
A rare water-borne parasite has been identified as the cause of a recent outbreak of severe conjunctivitis affecting more than 100 people in Darwin. The Northern Territory Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has linked the infections to the NT Football League (NTFL), with the microscopic parasitic fungus vittaforma corneaea being the primary culprit.
The CDC has advised the public to remain cautious and take necessary precautions at several high-risk playing fields in Darwin. This outbreak has raised concerns among health authorities, who are now working to understand the full scope of the issue.
What Have Health Authorities Said?
An investigation was initiated last month after teams in the NTFL reported dozens of suspected conjunctivitis cases since the start of the wet season. Symptoms ranged from mild to severe, prompting further action from the CDC. On Wednesday, the CDC confirmed that the number of reported cases of keratoconjunctivitis linked to the NTFL had surpassed 100.
Keratoconjunctivitis is a more severe form of conjunctivitis, affecting not only the lining of the eye but also the cornea. Following extensive testing and collaboration with an interstate laboratory, the CDC announced the findings, identifying vittaforma corneaea as the cause of the outbreak.
What Is Vittaforma Corneaea?
Microsporidia are tiny, single-cell parasites found in the environment and capable of infecting both humans and animals. According to the US Centre for Disease Control, they typically cause gastrointestinal issues in individuals with weakened immune systems, often through contaminated water or soil.
Vittaforma corneaea is a less common type of microsporidia, described by NT Health as a “rare”, “specialised parasitic fungus”. Its spores can infect the eye, leading to keratoconjunctivitis. Symptoms include:
- Unilateral redness
- Itchiness
- Photosensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Pain or foreign body sensation
Has There Been an Outbreak Before?
Darwin optometrist Lance Chin Quan, who has treated numerous affected footballers, noted that this is the first time this particular eye infection has been seen in the Territory. With over 40 years of experience, he has never encountered such a case before.
In recent years, outbreaks of vittaforma corneaea have been documented in swimming pools in Taiwan, among travelers to South-East Asia, and even in Israel’s Sea of Galilee. Researchers studying an outbreak among rugby players in Japan recently highlighted that these infections are increasingly recognized in healthy individuals as well as those with compromised immune systems.
They observed that such outbreaks tend to occur following high temperatures, high humidity, and increased rainfall—conditions that Darwin has experienced during its wet season.
What Happens Now?
Although the cause of the outbreak is now known, the CDC is still investigating the source. Several playing fields in Darwin have been identified as high-risk areas:
- TIO Stadiums 1 and 2
- DXC Arena (Marrara Cricket Ground 1 and 2)
- Gardens Oval
NT Health advises anyone active in these areas to wash mud off their face and eyes and shower immediately after on-field activities. Individuals who have played on these fields since January 1 and experienced symptoms are encouraged to contact a GP or optometrist.
Mr Chin Quan shared positive news, stating that up to 40 of the patients he has treated are showing signs of recovery. He noted that the eye infections are resolving, with no more lesions, clear corneas, and improved vision. Patients are gradually tapering off steroids, with hopes for complete healing.
