The viral pink eye, or conjunctivitis, has been infecting hundreds of thousands across India, Pakistan, and Vietnam.
Pink Eye Epidemic in Asia
The contagion of the condition has been building amidst the intense rainfall and heatwaves. As the pathogen appears to thrive in humid conditions, health officials across various countries have been struggling to curb its spread.
Last September, tens of thousands of academic institutions across Pakistan, India, and Vietnam experienced brief closures as part of emergency protocols to hamper the spread of the virus.
In fact, in just one September day in Punjab, health authorities were able to report 13,000 new pink eye cases. For the entire month, over 86,000 cases were recorded in the city alone. Mohsin Naqvi, Punjab's Caretaker Chief Minister, explains that there were at least five to six students who got affected in everyday class.
Across Pakistan, the case count has almost reached 400,000.
According to Vietnam officials, more than 63,000 conjunctivitis cases have been recorded from January to September. This is a more than 15% increase compared to the same time period last year.
What Is Pink Eye Infection?
Pink eye typically results from viruses or bacteria. The condition involves the inflammation of the translucent membrane between the eyeball and the eyelid, which is also known as the conjunctiva. When the conjunctiva's blood vessels become irritated or swollen, they become more visible. This leads the eyes' whites to exhibit a pinkish or reddish hue.
The pink eye viral version is remarkably contagious. Some are capable of living on surfaces for up to 30 days. They can be easily spread by simply rubbing the eye with a hand that is contaminated.
Vision scientist and optometrist Isabelle Jabert from the University of New South Wales explains that there are various viruses that can lead to viral conjunctivitis. However, up to 75% of viral conjunctivitis cases are due to adenovirus.
One of both eyes of conjunctivitis patients may get affected. Symptoms of the condition include eye pain, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, swollen eyelids, and watery discharge. In severe cases, the cornea may end up getting chronic inflammation that may lead to vision problems in the long run.
Aside from disinfecting surfaces and regularly washing one's hand, little can be done to hamper the spread of the virus. As for treatment, pink eye does not have any cure. This means that patients need to simply wait for at least two weeks for their immune system to defeat the virus. It is crucial to stay home during this time in order to stop the virus from spreading further.
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