Almost everyone in Ghana has heard of "Apollo". When it goes round a school, office or neighbourhood, red and watery eyes seem to appear everywhere at once. Because it is so familiar, many people treat it at home and wait for it to pass. Most of the time it does clear by itself, but some home remedies can turn a short illness into a serious eye problem. Here is what Apollo is, how to stop it spreading, and the warning signs that mean you should see an eye specialist.
What is Apollo?
"Apollo" is the name commonly used in Ghana for acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis, a severe form of viral conjunctivitis ("pink eye"). The Ghana Health Service describes it as a highly contagious viral infection that can cause eyelid swelling, eye discharge and bleeding on the white of the eye. The disease was first reported in Ghana in 1969, and outbreaks have since been recorded in many tropical countries.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis is mainly caused by two viruses: enterovirus 70 and a variant of coxsackievirus A24. Ghana Health Service eye care officials have said cases usually rise between July and September. Outbreaks are still reported: in 2023 the Service recorded cases in several regions, including Greater Accra, and in July 2026 health authorities confirmed an outbreak in Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North Region.
Common symptoms
Symptoms usually start quickly, often within 12 to 48 hours of contact with the virus. They can include:
- red or bloodshot eyes, sometimes with visible red patches of bleeding on the white of the eye
- watery eyes or a sticky discharge that can make the eyelids stick together
- a gritty feeling, as if something is in the eye
- eye pain or irritation
- swollen eyelids
- sensitivity to light
One or both eyes can be affected. Not every red eye is Apollo, though. Allergies, dust, other infections and more serious conditions can also make the eyes red. Allergic conjunctivitis, for example, is not contagious and needs different care. That is why an eye examination matters if you are unsure.
How Apollo spreads
Apollo spreads through contact with fluid from an infected person's eyes. This usually happens through hands that have touched the eyes, then touch shared objects or another person's hand. It also spreads through shared items such as towels, handkerchiefs, pillows, make-up and eye drops. Crowded places like schools, offices, churches and trotros make it easier for the virus to move from person to person.
A common myth is that you can catch Apollo just by looking at someone who has it. Ghana Health Service eye care officials have confirmed that this is not true. What matters is what touches your eyes.
How to protect yourself and your family
The CDC and the Ghana Health Service recommend simple hygiene steps:
- Wash your hands often with soap and running water, especially after touching your face or caring for someone with Apollo. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, even if they itch.
- Do not share towels, handkerchiefs, pillows, eye make-up, contact lenses or eye drops.
- Wash pillowcases, towels and face cloths often in hot water and detergent.
- Clean discharge gently with a fresh, clean cloth or cotton pad, then throw it away and wash your hands.
- Stop wearing contact lenses until your eyes are better or your eye doctor says it is safe.
- Stay away from school, work and crowded places while you have symptoms, especially if your activities involve close contact with others.
What not to put in your eyes
According to the Ghana Health Service, Apollo usually settles on its own within about five to ten days. The bigger danger comes from what people put in their eyes while waiting. The Service has warned against using seawater, breast milk, urine or herbal preparations in the eye. These can introduce bacteria and lead to a corneal ulcer, an infection of the clear front window of the eye, which can permanently damage sight.
It is also worth knowing that antibiotics do not work against viruses. Using leftover eye drops, or drops borrowed from someone else, will not cure viral conjunctivitis and may spread infection. Only use eye medication that a qualified health professional has recommended for you. For comfort, the CDC suggests cool compresses and lubricating eye drops (artificial tears).
When to see an eye doctor
Most cases of viral conjunctivitis are mild, but some symptoms point to a more serious problem. The CDC and the UK's NHS advise getting medical care if you have:
- eye pain
- sensitivity to light
- blurred vision that does not clear when you wipe away discharge, or any other change in your vision
- very red eyes
- symptoms that are getting worse, or have not improved after about a week
- a weakened immune system
Newborn babies with red, sticky eyes should be seen by a doctor right away. If your child has symptoms that are not clearing, our children's eye care team can help.
If you are not sure whether your red eye is Apollo or something else, the safest step is to see an eye specialist. An eye examination can tell infection apart from allergy, injury or other eye conditions, and make sure you get the right treatment. You can read more about other common causes of red eyes and common eye infections on our blog.
Get your eyes checked in Accra
At Accra Specialist Eye Hospital in Tantra Hill, our eye consultations start with a careful examination to find out what is causing your symptoms. If your eyes are red, painful or your vision has changed, please do not self-treat. Book an appointment online or call us on 0500 060 545.
This article is for general information and does not replace a personal medical assessment. If you have eye symptoms, see an eye specialist.
Sources
- Ghana News Agency, reporting the Ghana Health Service Eyecare Unit: "937 Apollo infections recorded in four regions" (20 September 2023). https://gna.org.gh/2023/09/937-apollo-infections-recorded-in-four-regions/
- 3News: "Apollo outbreak hits Sefwi Wiawso Municipality; residents urged to observe strict hygiene" (16 July 2026). https://www.3news.com/health/apollo-outbreak-hits-sefwi-wiawso-municipality-residents-urged-to-observe-strict-hygiene
- Tavares FN et al. "Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis and Coxsackievirus A24v, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2004." Emerging Infectious Diseases (CDC), 2006;12(3). https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/12/3/05-1173_article
- CDC: About Pink Eye. https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/about/index.html
- CDC: How to Treat Pink Eye. https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/treatment/index.html
- CDC: How to Prevent Pink Eye. https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/prevention/index.html
- NHS: Conjunctivitis. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/conjunctivitis/
