Coronavirus: Pink eye could be rare symptom of COVID-19

Doctors are warning that a common childhood infection could be a rare symptom of COVID-19.

Coronavirus could cause pink eye, or conjunctivitis, in about 1% to 3% of patients, the “Today” show reported.

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Pink eye is when the clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye gets inflamed.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology said that the coronavirus has been found in eye secretions, but the risk of transmission through tears is low.

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The AAO warned doctors to watch for symptoms of pink eye along with fever and respiratory symptoms, “Today” reported.

Along with the symptoms, doctors should see if the patient recently traveled from China, Iran, Italy or South Korea, or to/from the hotspots in the U.S., or have had contact with family members who recently came back from one of those areas, the AAO recommended.