Conjunctivitis cases on rise in Banke

By Siraj Khan,Nepalgunj, July 31: While Banke district has been tackling pneumonia and diarrhoeal diseases, cases of conjunctivitis have also started increasing.

Eye hospitals in the district informed that the number of patients with conjunctivitis, a condition in which the eyes turn red due to inflammation, is on the rise.

According to ophthalmologists, conjunctivitis is commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections or allergies, mostly adenoviruses.

"At least 50 patients with red eyes are visiting our hospital daily. The common cause is still unknown, but the majority of affected individuals are children," said Dr. Prachanda Gautam, an ophthalmologist at Vision Eye Hospital, Nepalgunj.

"A majority of children in Banke are currently suffering from conjunctivitis. Their eyes are turning red and itchy, their eyebrows are swelling and their tears do not stop," said Dr. Gautam.

Fateh Bal Eye Hospital in Nepalgunj also informed that the majority of patients visiting the hospital were suffering from conjunctivitis.

There are at least a dozen eye hospitals and treatment centres in Banke.

"Conjunctivitis is very contagious. The virus that causes conjunctivitis gets weak in a week. However, the infection can be awful, so everyone should be aware and focus on hygiene," said Dr. Umar Sadiq, an ophthalmologist at the Fateh Bal Eye Hospital.

Ophthalmologists suggested washing hands with soap and water after contact with infected individuals and not sharing items used by an infected person is very important to be protected from conjunctivitis

Similarly, individuals suffering from conjunctivitis are suggested to wash their hands regularly. One avoid touching or rubbing the eyes, wash discharge from around eye(s) with clean hands or clothes and clean eyeglasses regularly.