The state recorded a record-breaking 87,761 conjunctivitis cases in July, this is one of the worst epidemics of recent times. 1,882 cases of eye Infection have been officially recorded thus far in Mumbai and 1,275 patients were recorded between August 1 to August 6, which represents an infection rate of nine every hour on average.
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an eye infection flu that strikes during the monsoon season and is one of the most serious illnesses. There has been an increase in conjunctivitis and eye flu cases during the previous several weeks. Conjunctivitis and infection in the eye are on the rise in the metropolis, and currently there is no relief in sight.
An increase in cases may possibly be related to this year’s monsoon’s extreme humidity. Senior health experts from the civic medical centre reported that this season has seen a 20–25% increase in reported cases as compared to the last year, with some locations in Mumbai reporting more than 40 cases. The majority of instances are self-controlled, but if the virus infects the cornea itself, difficulties may occur, they mentioned.
Twice the increase in number than 2022
Mumbai has seen a more than twice increase in the overall number of cases recorded during the last week of July and initial six days of the month of August, as reported by the state health department.
Between August 1 and August 6 in the city, 1,275 patients were recorded, amounting to an average of nine infections every hour.
Sign of the infection
Conjunctivitis, often known as pink eye, is a swelling or irritation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that protects the white of the eye. Three general categories can be used to classify the extremely contagious illness: Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria, viruses, and allergies
The present increase is due to the adenovirus form of conjunctivitis. It is highly transmissible and spreads quickly around the monsoon, showing signs like fever, tiredness, and swelling, redness, itchy, or teary eyes.
The director of healthcare services Dr. Nitin Ambedkar described the increase as the largest in a long time, saying there has been an unusual rise in conjunctivitis infections throughout Mumbai and other regions of India.
Even though conjunctivitis typically clears up without serious consequences in two to three days, some people may need longer medical attention than usual.