Who Is at Risk?
Although the illness is most commonly seen in a school-aged child, it can be caught by people of any age. Newborns and other very young babies can catch this and become very ill. Because babies have underdeveloped immune systems, any infection can become severe.
Even if they are not around other children, there are several ways for newborns to catch this illness. Common STIs can cause this illness in newborns during the birthing process and cause permanent damage if not treated promptly. They also can get it from irritation due to the eye drops given soon after birth.
Parents should call their doctors at the first signs of this or any infectious disease. In most cases, a simple round of eye drops or eye ointment can clear the infection quickly.
