South African health officials in the KwaZulu-Natal province have issued an alert over the outbreak of pinkeye disease and called on people who suspect they have the infection to seek treatment.

At least 161 cases of the infection have been confirmed in various parts of eThekwini district in the province since last week, according to provincial official in charge of health, Nomagugu Simelane.

Ms Simelane has urged the public to practice good personal hygiene to avoid getting the eye infection and stop its spread.

Pinkeye is an infection that causes inflammation of the tissues lining the eyelid and the eyeball, also known as conjunctiva.

It is most often caused by a viral infection, also known as viral conjunctivitis, which is highly contagious.

It can also can be caused by a bacterial infection or an allergic reaction.

Its symptoms include pink or red colour in the white of the eyes, swelling of the conjunctiva and increased tear production.