Presenter Marcelly Abreu, 39, was diagnosed with ocular cellulitis in Santos, on the coast of São Paulo, after progressive swelling in her right eye starting on October 6, 2025. The condition, caused by bacteria, requires immediate treatment to avoid complications such as vision loss or spread to the brain. She started antibiotics after seeking medical care on October 8, when the eye closed completely.
The professional initially mistook the symptoms for an allergic reaction to shrimp consumed earlier. Her 9-year-old son had similar swelling 15 days prior, initially attributed to head trauma. Another woman, Janaina Roberta de Araújo Mulinario, 32, reported a severe case of orbital cellulitis in July, with a five-day hospitalization.
- Common symptoms: internal pain, redness, and difficulty with eye movement.
- Frequent causes: complications from sinusitis or insect bites.
- Risks: up to 11% of orbital cases progress to significant vision loss without prompt treatment.
Initial symptoms and seeking help
Marcelly Abreu noticed swelling and pain in her right eye on Monday, October 6. She posted images on social media, receiving warnings from ophthalmology clinics about the severity.
The presenter sought hospital care on Wednesday, October 8, and began oral antibiotics. She then consulted a specialist who prescribed ointment and additional medications.
Janaina Mulinario faced an initial lump on July 19, treated as a stye. Four days later, the swelling prevented eye opening, leading to hospitalization.
Types of ocular cellulitis
The infection is divided into pre-septal, more superficial in the eyelids, and orbital, affecting internal structures of the orbit.
The orbital septum acts as a natural barrier between external and internal tissues. Bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae cause most cases.
Children and adolescents record higher incidence after respiratory infections, according to data from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Young adults also face risks during peak respiratory seasonality.
Common bacterial causes
Local infections like sinusitis or dental abscesses trigger ocular cellulitis. Traumas with bacterial contamination in the eye area contribute to onset.
Insect bites or skin pimples facilitate bacterial entry. Climate changes worsen inflammations in the upper airways, increasing complications.
Studies from the Brazilian Society of Ophthalmology associate pollution with inflammatory processes leading to the condition. The Ministry of Health records peaks during respiratory infection seasons.
The condition does not arise from direct transmission between people. Differential diagnosis excludes stye or conjunctivitis with similar symptoms.
Available treatment options
Pre-septal cases respond to oral antibiotics and warm compresses. Strict clinical monitoring tracks progress.
Orbital cellulitis demands hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. Surgical drainage removes abscesses when necessary.
Imaging exams assess infection extension in selected patients. Collaboration between ophthalmologist and otolaryngologist treats origins like sinusitis.
Risk factors in adults
Periods of high pollution facilitate worsening of unresolved respiratory infections. Adults with chronic sinusitis history show greater vulnerability.
Studies indicate that treatment delays raise risks of irreversible injuries. Up to 11% of severe cases compromise vision in reference centers.
Professionals recommend immediate consultation upon noticing persistent swelling. Prevention involves proper treatment of local nasal or dental infections.
Daily preventive measures
Rigorous hygiene prevents contamination in eye traumas. Early treatment of sinusitis reduces secondary complications.
Avoiding self-medication in initial swellings speeds correct diagnosis. Regular specialist consultations monitor recurrent respiratory conditions.