Outbreak of conjunctivitis hits flood-affected districts in K-P

Province reported 22,863 cases in August; Swat recorded the highest number of cases at 4,204

PESHAWAR:

The outbreak of eye infection has hit various flood-hit districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) as the province has reported 22,863 cases in the month of August alone. In view of the alarming situation, the Health Department has issued an advisory, urging affected individuals to self-isolate.

Lady Reading Hospital, the largest healthcare facility of the province, has reported receiving over 150 eye infection patients daily, while five doctors in the ophthalmology department have also been infected.

Khyber Teaching Hospital reports 60 to 70 cases daily, while Hayatabad Medical Complex sees around 80 patients a day.

Provincial health department data indicates that from January to August this year, a total of 97,212 cases were reported across the K-P, with the majority coming from Nowshera, Peshawar, Swat, Shangla, Battagram, Mardan, and Buner. The department noted that the recent floods have contributed to an alarming rise in the cases, particularly in the hardest-hit areas.

In August alone, Swat recorded the highest number of cases at 4,204, followed by Peshawar with 2,254, Buner 1,743, Shangla 1,689, Lower Dir 1,484, Nowshera 1,194, Battagram 1,080, and Malakand reported 1,235 cases.

Hospital sources said most patients are being treated in wards. In order to prevent further spread, medical instruments are not being used from one patient to the other while proper sterilization of instruments is also in practice.

The Health Department has warned that the eye infection spreads rapidly, similar to the flu. Patients have been advised to keep their bedding, pillows and towels separate, and use sunglasses or protective eyewear in sunlight. According to the experts, the infection typically lasts up to a week.