Conjunctivitis or pink eye is the inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and eyeball.
Several hospitals are registering more than 20 cases of conjunctivitis daily. “Weather is a player here, and this environment is suitable for the microbes to sustain. We witness cases every year but it is higher than usual this year, said Lopa, an ophthalmologist in a private hospital.
When asked about the transmission of virus through the vendors, she said, “They are doing their job and it is unavoidable. All we can do is avail medical camps and provide them eye drops and let them do their work. On our part, we should maintain as much sanitation that is required and wash the vegetables and fruits to avoid the contagious virus to pass.”
Speaking about the rising cases in the city, Capital Hospital Director Laxmidhar Sahoo said, “It is a seasonal disease and happens every year, but reports show huge numbers of cases being reported this year. Since it is caused by a virus which doesn’t have a medicine we advice people to use eye drops to prevent further bacterial infection. This usually subsides within 5 to 7 days, till then people should avoid contact.”
SMRUTI REKHA BARIK, OP