Conjunctivitis outbreak hits twin cities

A sudden outbreak of conjunctivitis has affected the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, impacting a large number of children, women, and elderly residents, many of whom have sought treatment at hospitals. The rise in cases has also led to an increased demand for rose water in the area.

Over the past three days, 2,186 patients suffering from conjunctivitis visited the three major public hospitals — Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto General Hospital, and District Headquarters Hospital — where they received prompt medical attention. Private hospitals and clinics have similarly reported a significant influx of patients.

According to Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr Inayat, this is the second outbreak of conjunctivitis in the city within the first nine months of the year.

He advised that, to prevent infection, eyes should be washed daily with clean water, water should be allowed to gently splash into the eyes, and black or green-tinted glasses should be worn. Small ice cubes may be applied to the eyes to ease discomfort, and medical consultation should be sought immediately in cases of severe pain.