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New COVID-Like Epidemic: Rise of Conjunctivitis in India

New COVID-Like Epidemic: Rise of Conjunctivitis in India

by Dr. Trupti Shirole on Jul 26 2023 9:40 PM
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Highlights:
  • Conjunctivitis, a contagious eye infection, is rapidly spreading in Delhi, majorly affecting the city's younger population
  • It spreads through contact or touch and is prevalent during the monsoon season due to conducive bacterial breeding conditions
  • Prevention includes frequent hand washing, avoiding eye touching, maintaining personal hygiene, sanitizing surfaces, and isolation of infected individuals
Conjunctivitis is becoming more common in Delhi. Every day, doctors witness 100 cases. According to doctors, the new eye infection with red eyes can be referred to as the "new COVID-like epidemic" because it is a "viral infection (eye flu)." Look at how conjunctivitis spread in India:

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What are the Initial Symptoms of Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis causes discomfort or irritation in the eye, which turns red or pink. Other symptoms include eyelid swelling, discomfort, and watering. The eyes frequently have a sticky discharge. In severe cases, patients may experience considerable swelling and be unable to open the infected eye (1 Trusted Source
Conjunctivitis

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).

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Who is Most Affected?

Doctors at both government and private institutions informed PTI that the majority of cases have come from the city's younger population. They stated that it is not dangerous to one's eyes but that professional assistance is required. People in Arunachal Pradesh's Longding district have been forced to order the temporary closure of schools due to an outbreak of conjunctivitis.

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How Does Conjunctivitis Spread?

Conjunctivitis is "highly contagious" and spreads easily through contact or touch. When someone with conjunctivitis touches a surface, it becomes contaminated, and when the other person touches it and then touches his or her eyes, he or she becomes infected as well.

What are the Common Causes of Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis virus travels rapidly during the monsoon season, which is a suitable breeding season for bacteria to thrive due to heat, humidity, and waterlogging. Allergies to pollen, cosmetics, or other things can also induce conjunctivitis.

Is Conjunctivitis Curable?

To reduce the spread of infection, doctors recommend washing hands with soap and water. According to the doctor, conjunctivitis is a "self-limiting infection" and an individual's immunity plays a significant part in how quickly he or she heals.

Conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotic eye drops, eye ointments, topical decongestants, lubricants, and some oral anti-allergic medications. Patients can also benefit from cold compression on the eye via ice packs.

What is the Most Effective Treatment for Conjunctivitis?

The easiest way to avoid contracting the virus is to avoid touching your eyes or coming into contact with an infected person. In the event of an infection, doctors advise schoolchildren to be isolated for 3-5 days.

How to Avoid Conjunctivitis?

To prevent the sickness from spreading further, health officials have advised frequent hand washing, avoiding touching eyes, personal hygiene, sanitizing surfaces, and isolating affected individuals.

Reference:
  1. Conjunctivitis - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541034/)
Source-Medindia


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