MANGALURU: The district health officials have advised citizens to take precautions in the light of the increasing number of Conjunctivitis (red eye disease) cases on Wednesday. The department has directed primary health centres and hospitals to take precautions against the disease.
Conjunctivitis is also called Madras eye, pink eye, or red eye disease. The disease can be caused by viral and bacterial infections and it is very contagious. Inflammation causes the eyes to appear pink or red in colour.
Dr Vikram Jain checking patients with conjunctivitis
Many people in Bantwal and Belthangadi taluks, including Bajpe and Ekkaru on the outskirts of Mangaluru, are getting infected with conjunctivitis. It is mostly being seen among students and traders. More than 100 people are getting infected daily and are seeking treatment at various hospitals in the city.
A private school in Belthangadi has declared a holiday due to conjunctivitis outbreak. The Education Department has instructed the principals of schools to give leave to infected sick students.
“Many people in the city are suffering from conjunctivitis or red eye disease, which is contagious. People should seek treatment immediately or may risk losing their vision. People should wash their hands frequently and avoid using things that are used by those who are infected. We treat patients by giving them eye drops. Affected people should visit a doctor for the checkup and treatment”, said Dr Vikram Jain, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Prasad Netralaya Super Speciality Eye Hospital.
“Viral conjunctivitis is contagious, and it is spreading across the district. We urge people to take necessary precautions by using hand sanitizers. Those infected should visit a eye hospital and take the necessary treatment. The infection will mostly be cured in 5–6 days. People should not rub their eyes and should use glasses to avoid strain. The cases are more in rural areas. More than thousand cases have been registered in the district”, said Dr Kishor Kumar, District Health officer of Dakshina Kannada district.