Conjunctivitis: Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat see massive spread of infection; check guidelines issued by states

New Delhi: Conjunctivitis instances are not just increasing in Delhi; they are also spreading in other states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bengaluru, and some of the North-eastern regions. As the whole country is receiving severe rainfall, there are various monsoon illnesses that are on rise. Eye infections are becoming quite prevalent in children as per reports.

Due to the humid climate and ongoing rain, Delhi has seen more cases of the virus. In order to prevent the “highly contagious” virus, doctors have advised patients to take adequate measures. Additionally, they recommended individuals practise good hygiene to keep the virus under control.

According to Dr Rashmi Mittal, Consultant, Dept of Ophthalmology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, they have seen a dramatic increase in severe conjunctivitis cases in their department during the past week. Every day, on average, 8–10 people come in with eye flu. Every age group, including children, is prone to this virus. In most cases, it spreads through surface contact rather than through eye contact or staring at infected individuals.

Delhi

In light of the increased number of conjunctivitis or eye flue cases in the city, the Delhi government recently issued a warning for all private and public schools. The government has advised all schools and students to maintain proper hygienic conditions by often washing their hands.

Maharashtra

The state reported 39,426 conjunctivitis cases, following which all the districts have been alerted to intensify surveillance. According to sample analysis, the public health agency reported that adenovirus-caused viral conjunctivitis accounts for the majority of cases. The BMC issued a warning on Saturday, urging everyone to exercise caution despite the absence of an epidemic in Mumbai.

The health department of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Wednesday issued health advice in response to an epidemic of conjunctivitis in the state, advising residents to take preventative measures and go to the closest hospital if they experience signs of the illness.

Due to an increase in conjunctivitis instances and other eye illnesses in Alandi and Buldhana, a health alert has been issued. People have been warned to seek government health institutions if they have symptoms rather than self-medicate or use home remedies.

Arunachal Pradesh

In the wake of rising cases of eye flu, all schools, up to 8th grade in Itanagar were halted from July 25 through July 29 in order to stop the conjunctivitis from spreading further. Also, in Imphal schools were closed to prevent conjunctivitis. The order was announced by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner on Monday.

Bengaluru

Accoridng to reports, over the past two weeks, there has been an increase in conjunctivitis cases, and some municipal hospitals in Bengaluru and the hospitals are already getting roughly 30 cases each day. Doctors noted that many patients are experiencing a virulent form of conjunctivitis and noted that an epidemic during the monsoon is not unexpected.

Why is conjunctivitis spreading in India?

As per experts, continuous rain and humid weather is the reason behind the rise in cases. According to Mayo Clinic, viral infections are the most common cause of pink eye. Additionally, bacterial infections, allergic reactions, and — in young children — partially opening tear ducts can also be responsible for it. Even while pink eye might be uncomfortable, it seldom impairs vision. Pink eye irritation might be lessened with some treatments.

Getting an early diagnosis and following some guidelines will help prevent the spread of pink eye since it can be infectious.