Health Officials in Goa have warned people to take extra hygienic precautions as the Directorate of Health Services is coping up with cases of viral infection – ‘conjunctivitis’.
The highly infectious eye condition, also called as ‘sore eyes’, has affected several people across the state. DHS Director Dr Rajananda Desai advised that people should maintain hygiene as the main priority to stay away from catching the viral infection.
The health centre is treating minimum three ‘conjunctivitis’ cases, daily. “Whether it is H1N1 (swine flu) or sore eyes, one has to maintain hygiene. We advise people not to attend crowded places and to avoid touching eyes with dirty hands,” she said.
People are also told not to share towels or handkerchiefs and to wash their hands often.
The doctor admits of receiving cases daily though she clarified that the virus is not epidemic.
“These are sporadic cases and it is mostly during monsoon season. One has to take precautions to avoid H1N1 or any viral infection,” she said.
Dr Desai however could not furnish total number of cases DHS is currently treating. The most affected areas will be known only in the coming week.
Those who are diagnosed with this infection are advised to remain at home for minimum one-week till its recovery and avoid swimming.
[Source]
