Increase in Conjunctivitis Cases in Dakshina Kannada District: Health Department Warns Schools to be Cautious

Several conjunctivitis cases are being reported in Dakshina Kannada after the rainy season. The health department has warned schools to be cautious and have been advised to take precautions to prevent the spread of red-eye disease among children. The health department has suggested that children stay at home till they are cured.

DHO Dr Kishore Kumar M informed that the department has been receiving information about the spread of cases in many schools in the district. He has urged the parents to take precautions. It spreads most often through direct contact with the eye by hands or objects like towels that are contaminated with the virus or bacteria. So there is a need to avoid direct contact with objects that infected persons have used. Since it also spreads through houseflies, those infected should always wear sunglasses. He cautioned against the use of coconut oil or any other oils as eye drops for conjunctivitis. All government hospitals have sufficient stock of eye drops required to treat patients with conjunctivitis. In case of severe infection, people should compulsorily consult an ophthalmologist.