20% Increase in Conjunctivitis Cases Reported in Odisha, Health Department Cautions Public

Bhubaneswar: The Health and Family Welfare Department of Odisha has recently issued a warning regarding the growing number of conjunctivitis cases in the state. In the past few weeks alone, there has been a significant 20% increase in reported cases. Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is characterized by the inflammation of the thin membrane covering the inside of the eyelids and the white part of the eye. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or allergies.

କିଛି ଦିନ ହେଲା ରାଜ୍ଯର କେତେକ ଅଞ୍ଚଳରେ ଆଖିଧରା ରୋଗ ବ୍ୟାପିବା ଦେଖା ଦେଇଛି ଯାହାକି ଏକ ସଂକ୍ରାମକ ରୋଗ ଓ ଏହା ସ୍ପର୍ଶ ମାଧ୍ୟମରେ ବ୍ୟାପି ଥାଏ। ଆଖିଧରା ରୋଗରୁ ନିଜକୁ ସୁରକ୍ଷିତ ରଖିବା ପାଇଁ ନିମ୍ନଲିଖିତ ପ୍ରତିଷେଧକ ବ୍ୟବସ୍ଥା ଗ୍ରହଣ କରନ୍ତୁ। #OdishaCares pic.twitter.com/CnSmsOEy31

— H & FW Dept Odisha (@HFWOdisha) July 6, 2023

Typical symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, itching, burning sensation, and eye discharge. Swelling and pain may also occur in severe cases. While conjunctivitis is usually a non-serious condition, it can be effectively treated with prescribed antibiotic eye drops or ointments.

The Health Department has advised people to take the following precautions to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes.
• Do not share towels, washcloths, or makeup with others.
• If you have conjunctivitis, stay home from work or school until your symptoms have cleared up.

The department has also asked doctors to report all cases of conjunctivitis to the health authorities.

Here are some additional information about conjunctivitis:

• Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can spread through contact with infected eyes, hands, or objects.
• The condition is usually mild and goes away on its own within a week or two. However, in some cases, it can be more serious and require treatment with antibiotics.
• If you think you have conjunctivitis, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment.

Here are some tips for preventing the spread of conjunctivitis:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes.
• Do not share towels, washcloths, or makeup with others.
• If you have conjunctivitis, stay home from work or school until your symptoms have cleared up.