Srinagar- As the Kashmir valley experiences a surge in conjunctivitis cases, commonly known as the “pink flu or eye flu,” Anantnag, Baramulla, and Srinagar have become the worst hit districts in the valley, with health professionals anticipating peak in the weeks to come.
According to the official data, Kashmir has recorded 8272 cases of conjunctivitis till date. However, sources said the number of positive cases may be higher, as the hospitals in Srinagar and other district headquarters receive a maximum number of patients with signs of ‘eye flu’ these days.
Dr Mir Mushtaq Ahmad, Spokesman Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) said, although highly contagious, conjunctivitis behaves unlike COVID-19 and that it resolves on its own within a week or two, if standard operating procedures are adhered to properly.
“Conjunctivitis no doubt is contagious, but it behaves unlike COVID-19. Maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding touching eyes with unclean hands and not sharing personal items is highly recommended to prevent the spread of eye flu,” Dr Mushtaq told Kashmir Observer.
Of the total 8272 cases, Anantnag district of south Kashmir tops the list with 1375 cases followed by 1318 in Baramulla, 1317 in Srinagar, 1307 in Pulwama, 885 in Budgam, 773 Shopian, 507 Kupwara, 387 Ganderbal, 361 Kulgam, and 42 cases in Bandipora district of north Kashmir.
Dr Shabana Khan, an Assistant professor at Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla told Kashmir Observer that the number of cases are likely to rise in the next one or two weeks. She said Baramulla has already witnessed a surge in positive cases.
Dr Khan appealed to the masses to avoid self medication and follow SOPs so as to avoid contracting the virus.
“People should do away with self medication and follow SOPs properly. At times people with symptoms of eye flu visit the nearest chemist, who instead of advising them to consult a doctor, suggest steroids, and acting on their advice at times prove detrimental,” she added.
She said the severe or untreated cases among the vulnerable population may result in complications that impact vision negatively.
Meanwhile, many people here expressed outrage over the unavailability of a fulltime ophthalmologist at Government Gousia Hospital Khanyar amidst spurt in eye flu cases.
“There is no ophthalmological service available at the Gousia Hospital and the patients are forced to visit other hospitals including JLNM Rainwari and SHMS hospitals. We appeal to the administration to engage a fulltime ophthalmologist in the hospital so that patients with severe eye flu conditions do not suffer,” Athar Ahmad, a patient said.
When contacted Medical Superintendent, Government Gousia Hospital Khanyar, Dr Tariq Ahmad said the issue has been taken up with the administration and that a fulltime ophthalmologist will be engaged shortly.
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