A Red Alert for Eye Conjunctivitis in Pakistan: A Call for Action and Awareness

Abstract

For the recent upsurge in the cases of conjunctivitis particularly in Punjab, Pakistan has reached an alarming level. Till September 2023, almost 395,929 cases have been reported only in Punjab because of such an endemic condition schools have been temporarily closed. About 17000 cases were reported alone in Bahawalpur nearly doubling the figures from the previous month but currently, the epicenter of the break is Lahore as the recent outbreaks have also been seen worldwide like Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, Brazil, and India. The primary cause of the epidemic is coxsackievirusA24 confirmed through genomic analysis. Coxsackievirus A24 is a non-enveloped, positive-stranded RNA virus which produces a polyprotein that forms a structural and non-structural component. This is responsible for acute hemorrhage conjunctivitis which is a viral disease and can spread rapidly as the virus belongs to a highly contagious genotype 4. Its symptoms are redness, pain, irritation discharge from the eye, and light sensitivity with an incubation period of 24 to 48 hours. Transmission can occur through hand-to-eye and eye-to-hand contact of the infected person as well as through contaminated surfaces. As the virus has the belated to evolved rapidly preventive measures are a necessity which include prevention from touching the eyes, practicing regular hand washing, cleaning contact lenses frequently, avoiding the sharing of personal items and using protective eyewear.