Conjunctivitis outbreak in Gelephu

Jul 27, 2010

Gelephu has been hit by conjunctivitis, commonly known as “red eye”. Over 100 cases are reported every day and majority of them are children. According to the health officials from the Gelephu Central Referral Hospital, the conjunctivitis cases were reported last month. But the number has increased in the last three days.

“It is very itchy and the eyes swell. I have been suffering for three days now” said one of the patients, Phuntsho.

Viral conjunctivitis usually takes a week to cure, but in worst cases, it may take over one month, according to health officials. The infection is contagious and spreads easily from close contact.

The patients are often advised to avoid touching their eyes or sharing towels.

[pullquote]There is no magic drug to apply or eat. The most important form of prevention is through maintaining hygiene, like washing hands and not sharing the towels
– Dr. Dechen Wangmo[/pullquote]

One of the Opthalmologists at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Thimphu, Dr. Dechen Wangmo, said that the disease is seasonal. “There is no magic drug to apply or eat. The most important form of prevention is through maintaining hygiene, like washing hands and not sharing the towels,” she said.

She also added that the seasonal conjunctivitis do not cause serious complication like causing blindness.

There are also reports of similar outbreak in other parts of the country.