Punjab, a region in Pakistan, is grappling with a rapid and concerning surge in pink eye infections, with the latest data from health authorities revealing an alarming spike of over 15,000 new cases reported in hospitals in just one day. Health experts are urgently advising those affected by the disease to self-isolate as a crucial measure to help curb its rampant spread.
Government hospitals in Punjab reported an astonishing 15,105 patients in their Outpatient Departments (OPD) in the last 24 hours alone. This surge in cases is part of a larger trend seen over the past year, with Punjab registering a total of 379,000 cases of pink eye during this period.
The situation is particularly severe in Lahore, where government hospitals have recorded a staggering 916 cases of pink eye. Bahawalpur, another city in Punjab, reports an even more concerning figure, with 3,324 patients seeking medical attention for pink eye.
Official statistics also reveal the extent of the crisis in other major cities across Punjab. Multan has reported 1,217 pink eye cases, Faisalabad 1,827, and Rawalpindi 242 cases in their respective hospitals. It’s worth noting that the actual number of cases in private hospitals and clinics is likely even higher.
Eye specialists are urging infected individuals to take the responsible step of excusing themselves from work and business activities to prevent further transmission of the virus. Dr. Muhammad Moeen, the Principal of the College of Ophthalmology, stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “The increasing number of pink eye cases demands immediate action from the Punjab government.”
With the rapidly rising number of pink eye infections, the Punjab government and healthcare authorities are facing a critical challenge in containing the outbreak. Effective public health measures, including increased awareness, strict isolation protocols, and enhanced medical facilities, are urgently needed to address this growing health crisis.
