Conjunctivitis cases surge in Mumbai, a 210 pc increase in a week

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Mumbai has witnessed a sharp increase of 210 per cent in conjunctivitis cases within a single week. According to a report from the state government, Mumbai recorded 1,275 cases of conjunctivitis in the first week of August, compared to the 607 cases reported until July 31 of this year.

Health experts in the city have reported a rise in the daily number of patients seeking treatment.

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Dr. Girija Suresh, Senior Ophthalmic Consultant at Fortis Hospital Mulund, stated, "In a tertiary care hospital like ours, we are seeing eight to ten cases per day. There has been a slight increase in cases in the past few days."

Another doctor reported a similar trend, stating, "I have been treating about four to six patients with conjunctivitis every day for a few weeks. However, the number of cases is now decreasing. Most cases have been mild, and very rarely serious. Out of approximately 100 cases, I've seen only one severe case of viral hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, which resulted in a severely red eye. So far, there has been no case where vision was affected," said Dr. Sujal Shah, Director of Ophthalmology at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital.

The cases of conjunctivitis span various age groups, particularly affecting the working class between ages 25 to 40-50, young individuals, and school-going children.

Dr. Shah explained, "The ongoing epidemic of conjunctivitis is primarily caused by a viral infection. Many patients are affected, often in conjunction with viral fevers. The condition is usually mild to moderate and seldom affects vision unless the cornea is involved."

In addition to Mumbai, Vasai Virar reported 116 cases, Navi Mumbai reported 235 cases, and Thane reported 22 cases until August 6.

Common symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, pain, watering, and discharge.

Dr. Suresh advised, "Individuals suffering from an eye infection with symptoms like red and sticky eyes should avoid public places. Children should not attend school or go to playgrounds. It's important to consult a doctor and follow hygiene protocols."

Regarding preventive measures, Dr Shah emphasized, "It's essential to understand that the infection spreads through touch from infected surfaces. Sanitizing all infected surfaces is the best way to prevent its spread. The highest risk of transmission occurs in crowded areas like schools, offices, trains, buses, taxis, and elevators."

The doctors recommended the following preventive measures:

Wash and sanitize hands frequently.

Keep personal belongings, especially toiletries and handkerchiefs, separate.

Avoid touching your eyes frequently.

Remember that the conjunctivitis virus is not airborne and spreads through touch. Thus, personal belongings should not be shared among individuals, whether children or adults.