Pink Eye Menace: Conjunctivitis causes Panic in the State

--By Sonam Sutar

The monsoon created a havoc in the state, not in terms of rain and flood, but in the form of "Conjunctivitis" or "Pink Eye". The disease has gripped Bhubaneswar and other parts of the state for the past one month. However, the situation has raised an alarm in Bhubaneswar in the past 3/4 days, with an unprecedented number of people have been affected with Conjunctivitis.

Since the Conjunctivitis virus thrives in a humid atmosphere, people mostly get affected in the monsoon season. Although the disease has not reached the epidemic stage yet, it created a panic in the city. The infected person first complains of swollen eyes. Then the eyes start itching and they hurt like hell. The pain and itching are almost unbearable.

Conjunctivitis is a highly communicated disease. There is a hundred per cent possibility of the disease affecting the friends and family members of the infected person, if there is a direct or indirect contact. Although the infection subsides itself, it takes from 3 - 15 days, depending on the physical condition and immune power of the concerned people.

Here's a list of Dos and Don'ts for all:

To Do:

1) Regularly clean your eyes with water.

2) Wash your hands whenever you touch the affected eyes.

3) Use disposable tissues or sterilized cottons. Never use regular handkerchiefs.

4) Wear sunglasses.

5) Don't take non-veg foods. Eat vegetables and fruits instead.

Not To Do:

1) Never shake hands with infected people. Make sure not to touch any parts of their body.

2) Don't share towels used by them.

3) Don't rub your eyes. It may damage your cornea.

4) Don't expose your eyes to sunlight.

5) Spend less hours in front of the PCs.