Karnataka: Cases of Pink Eye on rise in state, over 40,000 cases already reported

In the past week between July 25 and August 4, there has been spurt in the cases of Pink Eye (also known as Conjunctivitis / Madras Eye) across Karnataka.

According to government data, 40,477 cases of this pink eye infection have been reported. Doctors caution that with this proportion of cases, it could become epidemic.

Madras Eye is a condition where there is inflammation or redness and swelling of the conjunctiva covering white portion of the eye.

The districts in Karnataka that have reported the highest number of cases include Bidar (7,693), Haveri (6,558), Raichur (6,493), Shivamogga (3,411), and Vijayanagara (2,200).

According to health department data, Bengaluru Urban and Rural districts have reported 145 and 192 cases, respectively. However, ophthalmologists in Bengaluru believe that the actual number of cases in Bengaluru region could be much higher than what is reported.

Expert doctors believe that the virus causing pink eye may have gone alterations after Covid-19. In the past, pink eye condition was caused by Adenovirus, but recent investigations reveal that Enterovirus is also causing pink eye condition.

Expert doctors attribute the spurt in the spread of pink eye disease to changes in atmospheric temperature and incessant rains.

Dr Rohit Shetty of Narayana Netralaya said News First Prime that, patients who have Pink Eye must never touch or rub their infected eye with bare hands, if touched, must sanitize or wash their hands with water. Other persons who come in contact with Madras Eye patients must exercise extreme caution from touching their eye or touching the patient after the patient has touched his eyes.