42 confirmed, 42 suspected cases of pink eye linked to clinic in Hamilton

St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton is reporting 42 confirmed cases of pink eye stemming from the eye clinic at their King Street campus in late April.

In an email to CHCH News, they say they’ve recently learned that a number of patients who visited their King Street eye clinic on April 28 and 29 developed pink eye symptoms in the following days.

Dr. Zain Chagla, co-medical director at St. Joe’s says there are another 42 suspected cases of conjunctivitis.

He adds that St. Joe’s followed outbreak procedures and reported to Hamilton Public Health.

The local healthcare system is currently working to determine what caused the outbreak. Chagla adds that the source is unclear at this time and determining a source may not be possible.

“The enhanced measures we have in place will lower any potential risk. For the vast majority of patients, pink eye will resolve on its own. Our ophthalmologists will assess and treat patients as needed, like they would for any other issue. We will continue collaborating with public health as needed,” said Chagla.

St. Joe’s says they will continue to monitor for new cases before declaring the outbreak over.

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