Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, has been fast spreading across the country. According to records maintained with the National Eye Centre in Thimphu, there have been nearly 9,000 cases in the country since July this year. However, health officials emphasised that people need not panic or worry about the infection as it can be prevented easily.
Doctors from the National Eye Centre said that the current outbreak of conjunctivitis is a ten-fold increase compared to other months.
From July till date, Sarpang recorded the highest number of conjunctivitis with more than 2,400 cases followed by Samtse and Samdrup Jongkhar.
Doctors say the infection which was initially rampant in the southern region has now spread to other districts. Symptoms of the infection include itchy eyes, redness, more tears, burning sensations and discharge from the eyes.
“Initially, I felt like there were some dust particles in my eyes and it became itchy. After I rubbed my eyes, they turned red. Then I also experienced discharge from my eyes. Today, I visited the hospital and I came with a sunglass to refrain from spreading it to others,” said Namgay Tshering, a patient.
“If all of us can follow the doctor’s advice and wash our hands, I think we can easily prevent it. It is also important that we visit hospitals and eye centres,” said Kado, another patient.
“The infection causes pain in the eyes. We also suffer from fever. We believe that it is better to avoid wind and wash our eyes with warm water when we have an infection. We should not panic,” said Cheney Wangmo, a resident of Samdrup Jongkhar.
“Pink eye has become very rampant here. Children got infected from their school and spread it in the community. Likewise, our nearby Indian town of Jaigaon has also a lot of conjunctivitis cases,” said Dawa Penjore who lives in Phuentshogling.
“I am worried about the condition. I am a driver and I have to travel to different places and there are possibilities of getting infected,” said Tashi, a resident of Zhemgang.
Doctors said the infection must have been transmitted from neighbouring border towns. According to doctors, conjunctivitis is preventable and most people can recover within two weeks.
However, people with excessive discharge, blurriness of vision, and pain, should visit the nearest hospital.
“In order to prevent it from spreading, the most important thing is hand washing with soap and water or using a sanitiser for at least 20 seconds. Another thing in the family you must do when somebody has conjunctivitis is to use separate towels and change your pillowcases often. And the material used by the infected person must be washed with warm water and soap,” said Dr Dechen Wangmo, Pediatric Ophthalmologist.
The doctor recommended practising social distancing, using personal makeup materials and contact lenses, and covering the nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing to prevent the spread.
Namgay Dema
Edited by Tshering Zam
