Gnat sore eyes: seasonal, acute conjunctivitis in a southern state

Abstract

In late summer 1981, a widespread outbreak of acute bacterial conjunctivitis occurred in southeast Georgia, affecting primarily grade-school children. This outbreak was similar to previously described seasonal conjunctivitis in the South. As suggested in previous studies, the eye gnat, Hippelates pusio, may serve as a mechanical vehicle in the transmission of the suspected causative agent, a possible Haemophilus species. The 1981 Georgia outbreak illustrates that "gnat sore eyes" is not obsolete and apparently can occur unpredictably during warm months in the southern states. Physicians and other health-care workers should be aware of the unique clinical and epidemiologic features of acute seasonal conjunctivitis.