Srinagar: The sudden spike in conjunctivitis also known as ‘Pink Flu’ or ‘Pink Eye’ disease in Kashmir has set alarm bells ringing for the Health department as 5000 estimated cases have been reported in the Valley since the outbreak of the highly contagious disease.
While the worst-affected districts, Baramulla and Anantnag, reported 800 cases each till date, the number of cases surpassed the 700 mark in Srinagar, the summer capital of the federally governed territory followed by 650 cases in Pulwama and 550 cases in Shopian districts of south Kashmir.
The Department of Ophthalmology (GMC) Baramulla sees over 40 cases on an average day, while the same number is reported at GMC Anantnag on a daily basis, followed by 30 to 35 cases in Srinagar, officials in the Health department told ‘Kashmir Images’.
Official data reveals that 4300 cases of conjunctivitis have been confirmed from various parts of Kashmir in the past two weeks only.
Speaking to ‘Kashmir Images’, DHSK spokesman, Dr Mir Mushtaq said that Pink Flu cases have been reported from several districts of the Valley including Srinagar over the past two weeks.
He said the department has already issued an advisory in this regard. He said the most common causes of conjunctivitis are viruses, bacteria, and allergens.
Assistant Professor GMC Baramulla, Dr Shabana Khan confirmed the spike in the Baramulla district, saying the cases have increased rapidly over the past few days and that the department has taken a slew of measures to deal with the situation.
Dr Khan said the health authorities have initiated public awareness programs in the district so that people are educated about the causes and symptoms of the disease as well as the precautions and preventive measures.
She, however, said that conjunctivitis is self-limiting and that avoiding contact with infected people and not sharing personal items like towels and soaps could help contain the spread.
Sensitivity to light, mucus discharge from eyes, gritty sensation, crusting of eyelids, swelling in eyelids, discomfort while blinking, she said are the most common symptoms of conjunctivitis and that the severe or untreated cases may also impact vision.
She said besides taking precautionary measures like proper hand hygiene, avoiding contact lenses and wearing sunglasses when going out is the best possible remedy to combat the disease, which she claimed was highly contagious.
Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) has issued an advisory in this regard, asking people to maintain optimal hygiene and major stress on frequent hand washing with soap, using hand sanitizers, and avoiding touching eyes with unwashed hands.
The advisory reads that in situations where soaps aren’t available, opt for hand sanitizers containing at least 60 percent alcohol, avoid rubbing eyes to prevent germ transfer and steer clear of the infected individuals.
“As conjunctivitis is highly contagious, refrain from sharing personal items and ensure surfaces prone to virus contact are regularly disinfected. Consider wearing eye protection when in close proximity to infected individuals. Employ respiratory etiquette by covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of tissues properly,” the advisory adds.
The DHSK advisory has also cautioned people against eye rubbing to curb the spread, urging the infected individuals to stay home and seek guidance from a healthcare professional before resuming activities.
“Adhere to contact lens guidelines, replace lenses and cases regularly, and maintain cleanliness in shared environments. Lastly, avoid swimming pools to prevent further transmission,” the advisory stated.
