Does / can bacterial conjunctivitis cause a fever?

Yes but becareful: Many things cause fevers and fewer things cause conjunctivitis. A viral infection causing the fever with secondary bacterial conjunctivitis is possible. These need to be examined with a high level of suspicion. Miss-diagnosis of conjunctivitis is common amongst the non-eye docs and the ensuing complications could be detrimental. Please see an eye doctor if you have this problem.