Definition:

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) is a highly contagious and severe form of eye disease caused by human adenoviruses (HAdVs). There are two well-defined adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis clinical syndromes: EKC and pharyngoconjunctival fever (PCF) [DS:H01420], which are caused by different HAdV serotypes. HAdV-8, HAdV-19, and HAdV-37 are common causative agents of EKC. In addition to these above-mentioned types, HAdV-3, HAdV-4, HAdV-7, HAdV-9, HAdV-15, HAdV-53, and HAdV-54 have also been identified as causative agents of EKC. However, HAV-8 is responsible for the highest number of EKC cases worldwide and is associated with severe clinical manifestations. EKC patients may complain about influenza-like symptoms, including fever, malaise, respiratory symptoms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and myalgia. The incubation period is 2-14 days, and the person may remain infectious for 10-14 days after the onset of the symptoms. Symptoms tend to last for 7-21 days.