Pink Eye. Wwyd?

[ihop]

I just got a text from dcm that9 month old dcg has pink eye. She has severe allergies so the weeping eyes is normal so I thought nothing of it and her eyes were wide open and clear. Less then three hours since she left and her eye is swollen shut. Doctor says pink eye. I exclude. Of course it happens after I take two drop ins today.

I don't know much about it. Ill notify parents of exposure but how do I prevent spread? The only communicable thing I've dealt with was noro virus.
Do I go bleach crazy on all of the toys and supplies? What do I watch for?

Ps I've read through the other threads but didn't find what I was looking for.

Thanks!

[SilverSabre25]

Depending on the type (viral or bacterial), it might be more/less contagious....both ****, but I believe the viral is related to the cold virus that causes it. Bacterial is different (and is what is helped by drops).

it spreads like wildfire and symptoms can show up within mere hours, especially if it is bacterial.

[ihop]

I'm not sure what type. She didn't say. My personal opinion is from allergies. I guess ill assume the worst but I've never heard of it living on surfaces but then again I've never had it

[SignMeUp]

From my childcare illness manual

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pinkeye, is redness and soreness (inflammation) of the membrane (conjunctiva) that covers the eye and lines the inner surface of the eyelid. Pinkeye is a common infection in young children.
CAUSE: Bacteria, viruses, allergies, eye injuries, or chemicals.
SYMPTOMS: May include redness, itching, pain and discharge depending on the cause. Bacterial conjunctivitis can sometimes be distinguished from other forms of conjunctivitis by a more purulent (pus) discharge.
SPREAD: Direct contact with the secretions from the eyes, nose, or mouth of infected persons.
INCUBATION: It takes about 1 to 12 days after exposure for symptoms to begin (depending on the cause).
CONTAGIOUS PERIOD:
Until the active infection passes.
EXCLUSION: Conjunctivitis with pus and/or fever or eye pain: until the child has been evaluated by the healthcare provider and until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment begins, or until the healthcare provider has cleared the child for readmission.
Conjunctivitis without pus (clear, watery discharge without fever, eye pain, or
eyelid redness): no exclusion necessary.
DIAGNOSIS: Call your healthcare provider if your child has conjunctivitis with pus and/or fever, eye pain, eyelid redness, or if you have any questions.
TREATMENT: Antibiotic treatment (eye ointment or drops) may be prescribed.
PREVENTION/CONTROL:
1. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm running water after contact with eye drainage. Thorough handwashing is the best way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
2. Keep the child's eyes wiped free of discharge. Avoid touching the eye drainage.
3. Dispose of used tissues.
4. DO NOT share any articles, such as towels and washcloths.
5. Clean and disinfect mouthed toys at least daily and when soiled. Try to prevent sharing of toys when conjunctivitis is present.

[sahm1225]

Since the baby is 9 months old and wasn't showing any symptoms while at daycare, you might be clear. I'm pretty sure pink eye spreads for the actual eye discharge. Wash the sheets the baby came in contact with and wipe down any surfaces the baby may have touched (pnp, crib). But you should be clear if her eyes were clear while at daycare