Gujranwala is currently grappling with an epidemic of conjunctivitis, as government hospitals receive more than a hundred patients daily due to viral infections.
Local medical college records indicate that in the past ten days alone, over four and a half thousand cases have been reported, with the outbreak spreading throughout Gujranwala and affecting residents in Wazirabad, Nowshera Varkan, Kamonki, and Gakhar.
Common symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, inflammation, and painful eyes. One patient shared their harrowing experience, saying, “I came back from a trip, and suddenly one eye got infected, and then the other eye was affected too. The irritation is unbearable.”
Ophthalmologist Professor Dr. Irfan Qayyum explained, “Conjunctivitis is a viral infection that can easily be transmitted to others. It’s crucial to exercise caution, particularly with personal items that come into contact with the eyes.”
Dr. Qayyum stressed the importance of preventive measures to contain the rapid spread of the epidemic, saying, “We must be cautious with one another and use our personal items that come in contact with our eyes responsibly.”
