Tasma cautions clubs about red eye disease

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Sports Medicine Association (Tasma) has cautioned sportsmen and women including football players about infectious illnesses including the red eye disease, which is currently spreading in the country.

Tasma Secretary General Juma Sufiani said the red eye disease, previously known as Nairobi Red Eyes, is spreading through contact and urged all teams’ doctors to take necessary measures to prevent its spread among players.

Sufiani advised players in training camps to wash and sanitise their hands before touching their eyes in order to minimize the risk of spreading the disease among them.

He stressed that players, like everyone else, need to prioritize their health, drawing parallels to the precautions taken during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Players are humans and need to take care of their health as we did during the Covid-19 scare. Therefore, teams’ doctors should regularly consult with players and other officials in the camps about diseases that can last for not less than three days or a week, depending on one's immune system," said Sufiani.

However, he said players infected with such diseases can still be fielded in matches, depending on the severity of their condition.

Nonetheless, he noted that if the condition poses a significant risk to the player's health, it is advisable not to allow them to participate in the match at all. The precaution comes amidst concerns about the spread of contagious diseases among athletes and the potential impact on their performances and overall health.

Tasma's proactive approach underscores the importance of preventive measures and health awareness within the sports community.

The Association has urged players of football teams and those of other sports to adhere to its guidelines of prioritising their health and safety.