Health dept issues circular to School Education and Tribal and Scheduled Caste Development departments, urging them to take preventive measures against conjunctivitis
Raipur: The Health Department has issued a circular to the directors of the School Education and Tribal and Scheduled Caste Development departments, regarding the prevention of Conjunctivitis. The Health Department has requested both departments to circulate necessary guidelines to prevent Conjunctivitis in schools, hostels, residential schools, and ashram-hostels. Additionally, the Health Department has emphasized the importance of providing information to children about the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of this infection.
In the circular, the Director of Epidemic Control stated that the cases of “Conjunctivitis” (Pink Eye) has increased in the state due to weather conditions. This contagious disease spreads more rapidly in densely populated areas. Since schools, residential schools, ashram-hostels, and hostels in the state have students living in close quarters, they are particularly susceptible to this disease. Therefore, both departments have been asked to disseminate necessary guidelines in their respective institutions to prevent its spread effectively.
The Director of Epidemic Control has provided detailed information about the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of Conjunctivitis in the circular. It is mentioned that Conjunctivitis, also known as Pink Eye, is a common eye disease. The condition is characterized by redness in the patient’s eyes, discharge, tear flow, and occasional itching and swelling.
For cases of Conjunctivitis, the patient should be administered antibiotic eye drops such as Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin, or Moxifloxacin, one drop six times a day for three days. If there is no improvement within three days, there may be a possibility of another illness, and in such cases, it is strongly advised to consult an ophthalmologist to prevent any potential complications. Access to examination and treatment facilities for Conjunctivitis is available free of cost at Medical Colleges, District Hospitals, Community Health Centers, and Primary Health Centers.
Conjunctivitis is a highly contagious disease that primarily spreads through direct contact. Therefore, patients should be advised not to touch their eyes with their hands, especially unclean. Avoiding handshakes with the patient and ensuring that their belongings are separated can significantly contribute to preventing the spread of this disease. It is crucial to debunk the misconception that the disease can be transmitted merely by looking at an infected eye; it exclusively spreads through direct contact.
