What is a common source of viral conjunctivitis in children?

Viral conjunctivitis, often referred to as pink eye, is frequently caused by adenoviruses, which are highly contagious. Swimming pools are a common source of viral outbreaks because the warm, moist environment can facilitate the spread of the virus. In pools, children often share the same space, splashing water and interacting closely, which increases the likelihood of spreading the virus through contaminated water or direct contact with infected individuals.

While classrooms, playgrounds, and public transportation can also be venues where viruses are transmitted due to close contact among children, swimming pools are particularly noteworthy because the water can harbor the virus, allowing for widespread transmission in a short amount of time. This makes swimming pools a critical point of concern when monitoring outbreaks of viral conjunctivitis in children.