Kashmir witnesses alarming surge in Conjunctivitis cases
Insha Shirazi
Srinagar: Since few weeks ago, the Conjunctivitis virus, commonly known as “pink eye,” often called as the eye flu, has become more prevalent in Jammu and Kashmir. So far Jammu and Kashmir has reported 21,000 Eye Flu cases.
In the previous two weeks, 8829 cases of conjunctivitis, have been reported from various districts of Kashmir, according to official data from the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK).
The majority of infection cases have been reported in Anantnag (1565), followed by Baramulla (1415), Srinagar (1104), Pulwama (1439), Budgam (1004), Shopian (821), Kupwara (567), Kulgam (436), Ganderbal (440), and Bandipora (38).
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the Conjunctiva, the clear membrane that borders the eyelid and covers the white area of the eye. It is often referred to as pink eye or eye sickness. Eye flu diagnoses typically occur during monsoon season. It could result from bacterial or viral infections, allergies, or other irritants.
Dr Summaya Hamidis , Consultant Opthamologist at Paras Hospital said. “A contagious condition, conjunctivitis is brought on by contact with droplets from an infected eye. It is characterised by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent layer that covers the whites of the eyes and the inner surface of the eyelids. Viruses, germs, allergies, and exposure to specific environmental irritants are just a few of the reasons of eye flu.”
“There is a misconception about this eye flu that it is contagious and can spread if a person unintentionally maintains an eye contact with another person’s infected eye, but the truth is that it is caused by touching an infected eye and then, without washing your hands, touching other things like towels, soap, or anything else that another person can use. Virus replicates, it shows genetic mutation and this is the reason the cases are rising. It is transferable in those circumstances from one person to another. Eye flu can be more severe for people who have other illnesses including cancer, diabetes, etc. Choose hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available,” she said.
“To avoid spreading germs, avoid touching your eyes. Conjunctivitis is extremely contagious, therefore avoid contact with affected people. Avoid trading personal goods, and make sure surfaces that could be contaminated with viruses are constantly cleaned and disinfected. If you will be near infected people, consider using eye protection. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of tissues correctly to practise respiratory etiquette. To stop the spread of viruses, avoid rubbing your eyes. If you have the illness, stay at home and consult a doctor before starting your normal routine again. Follow contact lens recommendations, replace lenses and cases frequently, and keep common spaces clean,” stated Dr. Summaya.
A small percentage of Covid 19 patients (6%), however, also experience eye flu. In school-going children, it is more prevalent because they are not much aware of hygiene and it’s spreading nature. Therefore, the main preventive precaution is to stay at home for a few days and wash your hands frequently. “While bacterial conjunctivitis is more common in adults than viral conjunctivitis in children, both conditions can affect the eyes, the latter of which is more serious, she added.
On average, we see 20-30cases of eye flu-like conditions per day in our OPD, said Dr. Summaya. “The Early Symptoms of the Eye Flu are Redness and Irritation, Watery eyes, Discharge from the eyes, Gritty sensation, and Discomfort While Blinking.”
While talking to Mahjabeen she stated. ”I have two children who are both ill with this eye flu, and I was worried when I noticed their eyes were turning red. I raced to the hospital right away and had a doctor check them both out. In order to stop the spread of the eye flu, I separated my children from other youngsters for a few days.”