SRINAGAR: Hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir are witnessing a surge in cases of ‘eye flu,’ with patients reporting symptoms like irritation, redness, swelling, and itching in their eyes.
Doctors from both Kashmir and Jammu divisions have informed the news agency KNO that cases of conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as ‘eye flu,’ have been increasing in the Kashmir division, while they are on the decline in the Jammu division. However, they reassure the public that the condition typically resolves within one to two weeks.
An official from the Directorate of Health Services Jammu informed KNO that 14,412 cases of conjunctivitis have been reported in Jammu division, including GMC Jammu. Providing further details, he mentioned that, to date, 3,274 cases have been reported in Jammu district, 789 in Doda, 1,956 in Kathua, 604 in Kishtwar, 946 in Poonch, 1,066 in Rajouri, 975 in Ramban, 401 in Reasi, 1,471 in Samba, 849 in Udhampur, and 1,631 in GMC Jammu.
Director of Health Services Kashmir, Dr. Mir Mushtaq, stated that 11,751 cases of ‘eye flu’ have been reported in hospitals in the Kashmir region. He provided further breakdown, with 622 cases reported in Kulgam district, 703 in Kupwara, 1,719 in Pulwama, 938 in Shopian, 1,363 in Srinagar, 1,876 in Anantnag, 1,042 in Bandipora, 1,697 in Baramulla, 1,287 in Budgam, and 504 in Ganderbal.
Officials noted that approximately two thousand cases have been reported in the Jammu division since August 21, with a decline in recent days, with 132 cases reported today. Last week, there were around 400 cases reported daily.
In contrast, cases continue to surge in the Kashmir division, with around 3,000 cases reported since August 21.
Doctors emphasised that this is a “self-limiting infection,” and individuals’ immunity plays a role in its course. They advised people to practice frequent handwashing with soap and water, disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, avoid touching or rubbing their eyes, sharing personal items, wearing contact lenses, crowded places, and swimming pools. They also advised consulting an ophthalmologist if severe eye pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, throat pain, fever, or worsening symptoms persist after 24 hours.(KNO)
