Conscripts being treated for eye condition

THE National Guard was taking all necessary measures to stop the spread of what appears to be viral conjunctivitis – inflammation of the eyes — among new recruits in Larnaca, the defence minister said yesterday.

Reports said 17 new recruits had contracted the illness and that they had been sent home to avoid spreading it to others at the Larnaca training camp.

Defence Minister Costas Papacostas said the appropriate measures were being taken but cast some doubt as to the extent of the outbreak.

Papacostas said army authorities will look into whether some of the conscripts were feigning the illness.

“I am not confirming but am not ruling the possibility out,” the minister said. “The number 17 has given me this message. That is my view.”

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