Pimpri-Chinchwad: Over 1,000 conjunctivitis cases surface

Cases of conjunctivitis are rising in the city, say ophthalmologists who have advised citizens to follow precautions but not to panic as it is a mild disease and getting cured within five to seven days.

Following the outbreak of conjunctivitis in Alandi that saw more than 8,000 people – mainly children– getting infected with viral conjunctivitis, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) too reported more than 1,000 cases till Sunday. Meanwhile, authorities at the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) said school screening and a health check campaign will be undertaken soon. Health officials from the municipal corporation said conjunctivitis is a fast-spreading infection, but also a self-limiting one. More than 1.76 lakh people were surveyed in Alandi, where the outbreak began.

The cases have now come down, said officials. Dr Abhay Dadewar, additional medical officer of health told The Indian Express, that more than 1,100 cases were identified in the jurisdiction of PCMC.

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Assistant health officer (medical) at PMC Dr Suryakant Deokar said there are 247 civic schools, which have 69,051 children.Till Monday, there were 241 cases of conjunctivitis. “We are focussing on prevention and awareness in schools… Each ward has an accredited social health activist and auxiliary nursing midwife. They will also help in creating awareness,” said Dr Dadewar.

Dr Ramesh Murthy, a city-based ophthalmologist, said out of 10 patients, he is treating at least three patients with the viral infection. “There is no need to worry, as the cases are mild and there is no complication,” he said.