Low rainfall poses high risk of viral diseases

KARACHI:

Medical experts fear an elevated risk of viral infections this year due to the unusually low rainfall in the metropolitan city. A major government-run hospital in Karachi, JPMC, reports over a hundred cases of conjunctivitis daily. It has set up a dedicated isolation ward to prevent the further spread of the eye infection.

Ophthalmologists Dr Pawan Kumar and Dr Sabir Hussain from the JPMC explained to The Express Tribune that conjunctivitis is an eye virus that can easily be transmitted, often through the sharing of personal items.

Common symptoms include itching, inflammation, stinging, redness, and excessive watery discharge from the eyes. During the initial days of infection, the itchiness can be severe, prompting individuals to rub their eyes, which doctors strongly advise against as it can worsen the condition.

Typically, this eye infection lasts seven to eight days and usually clears up on its own.

The ophthalmologists said it’s important to note that reddening of the pupils does not necessarily indicate permanent damage or vision impairment. “Patients are advised to rinse their eyes with cold water and wear sunglasses to protect them from bright light,” they said.

Among the affected patients, over 50 per cent are children. Severe eye pain caused by the virus can be treated with antibiotics, reducing the risk of secondary infections. If the pupil is affected, it may take three to four weeks for the eye to heal fully. The hospital has an ample supply of conjunctivitis medication and has implemented measures to isolate these patients to prevent further spread.

The ophthalmologists further stated: “It’s crucial to dispel the misconception that conjunctivitis spreads merely by looking into the eyes of an infected person.” They added that to prevent its spread, people should maintain good hygiene and use hand sanitiser.

Infected individuals should keep their personal items, such as towels, tissues, and soap, separate to avoid contamination.

According to the ophthalmologists, the decreased rainfall in Karachi this year has contributed to the rise in eye infections, as viruses tend to thrive in dry conditions.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2023.