Srinagar, Sep 11: Eye flu cases have started declining in Jammu & Kashmir and the number of patients visiting hospitals for irritation, redness, swelling and itching in their eyes has also decreased.
Doctors from Kashmir and Jammu divisions told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the cases of conjunctivitis, popularly known as eye flu, have started declining in both divisions of the Union Territory. So far, around 29,000 cases have been reported.
They said there is no need to worry as the flu goes away in one to two weeks.
An official from the Directorate of Health Services Jammu told KNO that 15,264 cases of conjunctivitis were reported in the Jammu division including GMC Jammu. He said that till the end of August, 14,633 cases of eye flu were reported in the Jammu division and since then 631 fresh cases have been reported in the first eleven days of September.
Director Health Services Kashmir Dr Mir Mushtaq said that so far 13,819 cases of ‘eye flu’ have been reported in Kashmir hospitals.
Giving further details, he said that 799 cases have been reported in Kulgam district, 873 in Kupwara, 1,890 in Pulwama, 1,128 in Shopian, 1,806 in Srinagar, 2,252 in Anantnag, 1,170 in Bandipora, 1797 in Baramulla, 1,586 in Budgam and 558 in Ganderbal.
The doctors said it is a “self-limiting infection” and each individual’s immunity will have a role to play in the course of the disease. They advised the people to wash their hands frequently with soap and water and disinfect touched surfaces like doorknobs, etc.
The people must avoid touching or rubbing their eyes, sharing personal items, wearing contact lenses, crowded places and swimming poles, the doctors said, adding that an ophthalmologist must be consulted if there is severe eye pain, blurring of vision, sensitivity to light associated with throat pain and fever and if the symptoms go worse and don’t improve after 24 hours—(KNO)
