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Hastings and Prince Edward Public Health

Opthalmia Neonatorum FAQs

What is it?

Neonatal conjunctivitis, also known as ophthalmia neonatorum, is a form of bacterial conjunctivitis or eye infection newborns can get during delivery.The baby’s eyes are contaminated during passage through the birth canal from a mother infected with either Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis.

How is it treated?

Eyedrops containing erythromycin are used to prevent the condition. If left untreated, it can cause blindness.

Opthamia Neonatorum Fact Sheet printable pdf

Need More Information About Opthalmia Neonatorum FAQs?

Talk to your health care provider or call our Communicable Disease Program at 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 349.

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As of Jan. 1, 2025 Hastings Prince Edward Public Health; Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health; and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit merged to form Southeast Public Health (SEPH).

You will begin to see the new Southeast Public Health branding appear on our resources and advertising materials. You will continue to see some documents using the legal name South East Health Unit.

Partners and members of the public should continue to engage with their local public health offices as usual and connect with Southeast Public Health on our new website and social media: