In a concerning development, Punjab is grappling with a sharp rise in pink eye infections, also known as conjunctivitis, as more than 10,000 cases have been reported in private hospitals across the province within the last 24 hours.
The surge in pink eye cases in Punjab has raised alarms, with a staggering 10,269 new cases reported in private hospitals alone in the past day. This outbreak has pushed the total number of individuals affected by the infection this year in Punjab to a staggering 394,000, according to official statistics.
Regional Breakdown
In Lahore, the provincial capital, 452 new pink eye cases were reported within the last 24 hours. Other cities in Punjab also witnessed a significant rise in cases, with 1,540 cases in Bahawalpur, 1,048 in Multan, 1,132 in Faisalabad, and 175 in Rawalpindi during the same period.
The provincial health department has revealed that the actual number of cases seeking treatment at private hospitals and clinics might be even higher. To tackle this growing health concern, the Primary Healthcare Minister has advised individuals to contact the department’s helpline, where eye specialists from across the province are available 24/7 to provide guidance and treatment for pink eye infections.
Dr. Jamal Nasir, a prominent medical professional, assured the public that an ample supply of medicines for treating pink eye infections has been distributed to hospitals across Punjab. He further explained that the infection typically lasts for seven to ten days.
Health experts are urging individuals affected by the disease to take necessary precautions, including self-isolation, to help contain its spread. Eye specialists have strongly recommended that infected individuals should stay away from work and business activities to prevent further transmission of the virus.
Dr. Muhammad Moeen, the principal of the College of Ophthalmology, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The increasing number of pink eye cases demands immediate action from the Punjab government.”
Read more: Pink Eye Outbreak Hits Punjab Hard
In an effort to curb the spread of the pink eye infection, authorities have ordered the closure of all government and private schools in Punjab for four days. This closure period includes the Eid Miladun Nabi holiday, as well as the regular Saturday and Sunday weekend, providing students with an extended break. Schools are scheduled to reopen on Monday. This decision was prompted by reports of a rising number of conjunctivitis cases, with the citizens of Bahawalpur in Punjab being the most severely affected.
The situation remains under close observation as health officials and authorities work tirelessly to contain the outbreak and ensure the well-being of the affected individuals.
