ST. LOUIS (AP) – An antibiotic-resistant strain of pink eye is creating discomfort for many people in the St. Louis region.

Eye doctors are reporting large numbers of children and adults with the highly contagious ailment that causes swelling of the eye, itching, irritation and burning. Physicians say the strain can take up to three weeks to run its course.

One practice in St. Louis, Ophthalmology Associates, is seeing 10 to 20 cases per week. Physicians there normally see one or two cases of pink eye per week.

Health officials say the best protection is to frequently wash hands, never share wash cloths, towels or pillows, and never share eye drops or cosmetic products.