The Pink Eye Outbreak may be on the decline, but social security sickness benefits are on the increase. The Social Security Board says that in the eight weeks between September 4 and October 29, 2017, there were a total of 7,852 conjunctivitis claims submitted. That work out to almost one in ten workers insured by SSB. And the total payout in sickness benefits so far? That figure is in excess of one million dollars.
The highest number of cases were in Belize City and Belmopan - which are also the largest branches.
But the highest prevalence rates were in the north, mainly Orange Walk and Corozal where more than 11% of insured persons have claimed a benefit. Belmopan follows closely behind at 10.3%.
But, the good news is that there has been a sharp downturn in conjunctivitis claims since last week - in all areas except Dangriga and and Punta Gorda - where the number of claims is still increasing.
And that million dollars plus payout in sickness benefits? Well, it's only about 15 times more than what was paid out for pink eye in all of 2016.
The other big figure is the number of sick days paid: it stands at 34,677 - again, 15 times more than 2016.
SSB reminds Insured Persons that they have a special two week extension to make pink eye claims to avoid spreading the condition. The Ministry of health has reported treating sixteen thousand cases.
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