Rise in Conjunctivitis Cases Across Major Indian Cities
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Rise in Conjunctivitis Cases Across Major Indian Cities

Rise in Conjunctivitis Cases: Cities across India, including Mumbai and Delhi, are witnessing a significant increase in conjunctivitis cases. Conjunctivitis is also known as pink eye, with Mumbai reporting a 15-20% surge among both children and adults. This rise in eye infections comes as the cities are already grappling with the challenges of monsoon rains and a resurgence of other infections.

Rise in Conjunctivitis Cases Across Major Indian Cities

Conjunctivitis, an inflammation or infection of the outer membrane of the eyeball and the inner eyelid, is commonly caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction, or — in babies — an incompletely opened tear duct. The symptoms include redness, itching, and tearing of the eyes. It may also lead to an increased sensitivity to light and a gritty feeling in the eye.

Healthcare professionals are urging the public to take preventive measures such as avoiding touching their eyes, washing hands frequently, not sharing personal items like towels or cosmetics, and staying away from public places if infected.

The sudden rise in cases has put additional pressure on the healthcare system, which is already strained due to the ongoing pandemic and the seasonal spike in dengue and malaria cases. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have ramped up their public health response to control the spread of the infection.

While conjunctivitis is usually a minor eye infection, it can develop into a more serious problem if not treated promptly. Therefore, anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to seek immediate medical attention. The public is also reminded to follow good hygiene practices to prevent the spread of this highly contagious condition.

How to Avoid conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. It is a common eye infection that can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or allergy.Here are some tips on how to avoid conjunctivitis:

  • Wash your hands often. This is the single most important thing you can do to prevent the spread of infection.
  • Avoid touching your eyes. If you do touch your eyes, wash your hands immediately.
  • Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, washcloths, and makeup.
  • If you have a cold or the flu, try to avoid rubbing your eyes. This can help prevent the spread of infection to your eyes.
  • If you wear contact lenses, clean and disinfect them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • If you have a family member or friend with conjunctivitis, avoid close contact with them.

If you do get conjunctivitis, there are a few things you can do to help relieve the symptoms:

  • Apply a cold compress to your eyes.
  • Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes.

If your symptoms are severe or do not improve after a few days, see your doctor. They may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment to treat a bacterial infection.

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