Source of eye infection outbreak among 100 Darwin AFL players confirmed

The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed that microsporidia is the source of an eye infection that has affected 100 Australian Football League (AFL) players in Australia’s Northern Territory.

In a public health alert issued on 30 March, the CDC noted that laboratory testing has identified Vittaforma corneaea, a microsporidia species, among samples collected from affected players.

“This is further supported by clinical findings which are consistent with microspiridial keratoconjunctivitis,” the CDC highlighted.

“Investigations are ongoing to better understand the source, extent and risk factors associated with this outbreak,” the statement continued.

The CDC shared that there is no evidence of secondary transmission among the 100 players who have been affected by the outbreak.

As well as highlighting exposure to muddy and wet fields as a risk factor for developing microspiridial keratoconjunctivitis, the CDC has listed specific Darwin sports grounds as a potential source of the infection.

The grounds include TIO stadiums 1 and 2, DXC Arena (Marrara Cricket Ground 1 and Marrara Cricket Ground 2), and Gardens Oval.

OT has previously reported on the experience of Darwin therapeutic optometrist, Lance Chin Quan, of Tropics Optics, who has treated 18 AFL players as part of the current outbreak.

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