'Pink eye' outbreak hits Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

Over 22,863 cases reported in August alone

PESHAWAR:

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," has reached epidemic proportions across several districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in flood-affected areas. According to the provincial health department, more than 22,863 cases were reported in the month of August alone.

The outbreak has placed immense pressure on hospitals. At Lady Reading Hospital, the province's largest medical facility, over 150 new cases are being reported daily. Alarmingly, five doctors from the hospital's ophthalmology department have also contracted the infection. Khyber Teaching Hospital receives 60 to 70 patients daily, while Hayatabad Medical Complex reports close to 80 cases per day.

Official statistics reveal that between January and August this year, 97,212 conjunctivitis cases were recorded across the province. The highest numbers have been reported in Nowshera, Peshawar, Swat, Shangla, Battagram, Mardan, and Buner. Health officials confirm that the disease has surged significantly in flood-affected districts, where poor hygiene and stagnant water have contributed to its spread.

The health department's August report highlighted Swat as the most affected district with 4,204 cases, followed by Peshawar (2,254), Buner (1,743), Shangla (1,689), Lower Dir (1,484), Nowshera (1,194), Battagram (1,080), and Malakand (1,235).

Hospital sources say most patients are being treated in wards, but due to the highly contagious nature of the disease, doctors are avoiding the use of shared medical instruments and equipment on infected individuals. Many patients are discharged after initial treatment with strict advice on preventive measures.

In response, the Health Department has issued a public advisory. Citizens have been urged to practice strict hygiene, avoid close contact, and isolate themselves if infected. Patients are advised to use separate bedding and pillows, wear protective sunglasses in sunlight, and follow medical guidance. Health experts caution that conjunctivitis typically lasts up to a week but spreads as rapidly as seasonal flu if preventive measures are ignored.

It may be recalled that two weeks ago, K-P Health Department directed all district and teaching hospitals to take immediate measures for the prevention and control of conjunctivitis (eye infection), following an advisory issued by the National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad.