Surge in pink eye conjunctivitis cases in Kerala
"This year, the infection is more viral than bacterial in nature and is assuming alarming proportions in Kerala. The infection is highly contagious and can spread rapidly from one individual to another," said Dr. Naresh Purohit, Advisor to the National Blindness Control Programme.
Pink eye conjunctivitis occurs due to inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye, he explained.
It is a painful ocular condition. The prevailing high humidity during the rainy season fosters viral growth, creating favorable conditions for the spread of conjunctivitis, Epidemiologist Dr. Purohit said.
"Areas with frequent waterlogging and regions where hygiene practices are poor, such as slum dwellings, are at higher risk of transmission. Currently, in the urban areas of the state, children, their family members, and even healthcare workers have been significantly impacted, accounting for almost 30-40% of the affected group,' said Dr. Purohit, who is also the Principal Investigator for the National Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (NIDSP).
The symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness in one or both eyes, increased itching, eye discharge, and sensitivity to light (photophobia).
"Viruses and bacteria, allergies, close contact with harmful chemicals, a blocked tear duct, and exposure to allergens such as pollen and dust mites are among the most common causes of conjunctivitis," he added.
"Maintaining good hygiene is essential for preventing the disease. Basic practices such as regularly washing the face, avoiding touching the eyes frequently, keeping surroundings clean, and observing rigorous personal hygiene are effective ways to stay protected from eye flu," he emphasized.
UNI DS RKM
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
United News of India
9 hours ago
- United News of India
Surge in pink eye conjunctivitis cases in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram, July 4 (UNI) With the onset of torrential rains, a surge in cases of pink eye conjunctivitis, also known as eye flu, is raising alarm across Kerala. "This year, the infection is more viral than bacterial in nature and is assuming alarming proportions in Kerala. The infection is highly contagious and can spread rapidly from one individual to another," said Dr. Naresh Purohit, Advisor to the National Blindness Control Programme. Pink eye conjunctivitis occurs due to inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye, he explained. It is a painful ocular condition. The prevailing high humidity during the rainy season fosters viral growth, creating favorable conditions for the spread of conjunctivitis, Epidemiologist Dr. Purohit said. "Areas with frequent waterlogging and regions where hygiene practices are poor, such as slum dwellings, are at higher risk of transmission. Currently, in the urban areas of the state, children, their family members, and even healthcare workers have been significantly impacted, accounting for almost 30-40% of the affected group,' said Dr. Purohit, who is also the Principal Investigator for the National Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (NIDSP). The symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness in one or both eyes, increased itching, eye discharge, and sensitivity to light (photophobia). "Viruses and bacteria, allergies, close contact with harmful chemicals, a blocked tear duct, and exposure to allergens such as pollen and dust mites are among the most common causes of conjunctivitis," he added. "Maintaining good hygiene is essential for preventing the disease. Basic practices such as regularly washing the face, avoiding touching the eyes frequently, keeping surroundings clean, and observing rigorous personal hygiene are effective ways to stay protected from eye flu," he emphasized. UNI DS RKM
United News of India
a day ago
- United News of India
WHO launches '3 by 35' initiative to tackle chronic diseases
New Delhi, July 3 (UNI) The World Health Organization (WHO) today unveiled its ambitious '3 by 35' initiative, urging nations to raise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035. The initiative comes as a direct response to the rising global burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, which now account for over 75% of all deaths worldwide. 'Health taxes are one of the most efficient tools we have,' said Dr Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Control, WHO in a statement here. 'They cut the consumption of harmful products and create revenue governments can reinvest in health care, education, and social protection. It's time to act.' Blatant spike in NCDs have placed an immense strain on global health systems, already grappling with reduced development aid and growing public debt. The call for higher taxes on these harmful products is expected to curb consumption, particularly among vulnerable populations, and simultaneously generate much-needed public revenue for health infrastructure and prevention programs, added the statement. Recent studies highlight the potential of such measures, with projections suggesting that a one-time 50% price hike on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks could prevent as many as 50 million premature deaths over the next five decades. The initiative has an ambitious but achievable goal of raising USD1 trillion over the next 10 years. Between 2012 and 2022, nearly 140 countries raised tobacco taxes, which resulted in an increase of real prices by over 50% on average, showing that large-scale change is possible. From Colombia to South Africa, governments that have introduced health taxes have seen reduced consumption and increased revenue. Yet many countries continue to provide tax incentives to unhealthy industries, including tobacco, as per the statement. Moreover, long-term investment agreements with industry that restrict tobacco tax increases can further undermine national health goals. 'The WHO encourages governments to review and avoid such exemptions to support effective tobacco control and protect public health,' said the statement.
United News of India
a day ago
- United News of India
No link yet between Covid vaccine and Hassan deaths: ICMR
Bengaluru, July 3 (UNI) Amid rising concern over a surge in sudden deaths — nearly 70 reported in Karnataka's Hassan district over the past two months — Dr Manoj V Murhekar, senior scientist at the Indian Council of Medical Research today clarified that current scientific evidence does not link COVID-19 vaccination to such fatalities. Responding to media queries, Dr Murhekar said, 'Yes, I have heard reports of 10 to 20 sudden deaths in one district over the last couple of months. I understand that the Karnataka government has constituted a high-level committee, including cardiologists, to thoroughly investigate the matter. We must wait for their findings.' He further informed that the committee is expected to submit its report within ten days. 'Let us wait until the expert committee releases its conclusions,' he said. Referring to a previous ICMR study conducted about 18 months ago, Dr Murhekar reiterated, 'The COVID-19 vaccine was not found to be associated with sudden deaths.' The spate of fatalities—many involving young adults—has triggered alarm in the region, prompting demands for a transparent and comprehensive investigation. State authorities have assured that the expert panel will explore all possible medical causes, including cardiac complications. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also weighed in on the issue, stating that the possibility of a vaccine-related link cannot be dismissed outright, citing recent global findings. He directed a special team led by Dr CN Manjunath of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences to investigate the deaths and submit a detailed report within 10 days. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao echoed the need for a scientific approach, emphasising that many of the deaths occurred among individuals aged 18 to 40. He called for district-wide health screenings and a deeper inquiry to assess whether similar patterns exist elsewhere in the state or are unique to Hassan. Both leaders underscored the importance of evidence-based conclusions and urged the public not to jump to premature assumptions until the investigation is complete. UNI BDN PRS
