Surge In Conjunctivitis Virus In Karachi

News Desk

Islamabad: After the outbreak of the conjunctivitis virus in Karachi during the ongoing rainy season, a significant number of cases are being reported in public and private hospitals on a daily basis.

Conjunctivitis is a common viral infection of the eyes in which the eyes become pink or red and the affected person’s eyes are itchy.

Around 100 affected people started coming to government hospitals for check-ups every day.

According to Jinnah Hospital Ophthalmology Department, the hospital’s outpatient department (OPD) is receiving at least 50 patients every day who are suffering from the virus that is spreading in the city.

Department of Ophthalmology doctor informed that the eyes of infected people become extremely red and itchy, while the eyes continue to discharge along with swelling around the eyes.

According to eye specialists, the symptoms of the said virus start a few days earlier, when the infected person’s eyes start to itch.

Leading Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr Muhammad Moizuddin has attributed this sudden surge to the transmission of the infection through direct contact with the ocular discharge of affected individuals.

Dr Moizuddin further stated that the eyes of a person infected with the said virus may have severe itching and pain for a period of 8 to 10 days, manifesting as a reddening of the eye, accompanied by moisture and discomfort, while people living near the infected person may also suffer from it.

After experiencing symptoms like itching in the eyes, swelling around them, and discharge of water from them, one should immediately consult a doctor and use other medicines, including drops given by them.

Experts cautioned that people suffering from the virus should not try to relieve eye pain through tips and other methods, and should take special care of their cleanliness.

Eye Experts recommend that everyone clean their eyes with a clean cloth or tissue paper and use a new tissue every time to avoid eye viruses.

In the cases reported so far, the patients recover within 10 to 15 days so they do not need to be given so much medicine. So far no serious damage from the spreading virus has been revealed.

The spread of the virus may temporarily affect the eye membrane, cornea and other parts, but so far there have been no reports of serious illness from the virus.