Mumbai: Rapid Surge Of Conjunctivitis Cases Hits Mumbai; Cases Double In Just Six Days

Mumbai, 12th August 2023: Cases of eye infections or conjunctivitis are increasing across the state day by day, and Mumbai is no exception to it. According to a recent report from the state health department, the number of reported cases of conjunctivitis in Mumbai has witnessed a twofold increase in the initial six days of August alone. Astonishingly, between August 1 to August 6, a total of 1,275 patients have been afflicted by eye infections.

City hospitals, including private and government ones, are flooded with an influx of patients suffering from eye infections. Since the inception of this outbreak, the city has been burdened with 1,882 reported cases of conjunctivitis, depicting the situation of the escalating crisis at hand.

Alarmingly, the proportion of school-going children, including youth, getting affected by this disease is higher. According to the doctors, every day, 10–15 patients with eye infections come to the hospital, in which the number of students and youth is proportionately higher.

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is notorious for its highly contagious nature, primarily transmitted through contact with infected individuals’ eye secretions. In light of this, health professionals have advised those afflicted by the ailment to refrain from wearing contact lenses as a preventive measure. Experts said that, given its viral origin, recovery from conjunctivitis is a gradual process, with a complete restoration of ocular health requiring a minimum of seven to ten days.

Against the backdrop of this disease outbreak, the health department has issued a comprehensive advisory, urging citizens to adopt precautionary measures and promptly seek medical attention upon experiencing any related symptoms.