Boko, August 10: At a time when people in the country are still recovering following the COVID-19 pandemic, another epidemic has raised major concerns in Assam and India.
The Eye flu, or viral conjunctivitis outbreak, in Boko in Assam’s Kamrup district has caused widespread concern among the local community.
Following the wide spread of flu, the Kamrup District Joint Director of Health Service, Dr. Mohitosha Benerjee, said on Wednesday that it is not a matter of fear, but precautions must be taken, and if anyone is infected, he or she should go to an isolated place at home. Also, individuals infected with the flu must take advice from eye specialists and take proper care of their hygiene to recover faster.
“Got information about the spread of the infection from everywhere in Kamrup District, and I advise all health centers in the Kamrup District area to take necessary action if any patient has come for checkups,” Dr. Benerjee added.
According to reports, many students from the Lower Primary Schools, High Schools, Higher Secondary schools, college students, teachers, faculties, and office staff are said to be infected fromwith Eye Flu.
However, the SD&Mo of Boko BPHC, Dr. Mantu Kumar Das, denied this report.
“There are no cases yet registered in the Boko Block Primary Health Center in the Boko area so far,” said Das.
“On the other hand, under the Boko BPHC, there are no eye specialists in the area. We have even faced lots of problems due to the scarcity of doctors for a very long time,” added SD&MO of Boko BPHC, Dr. Mantu Kumar Das.
Pradip Barman, Headmaster of Boko High School, said that many students were infected in the school from various classes. “So I advise all students and staff that if anyone is infected with the eye flu, he or she should stay at home, consult with a doctor, and take medicine”, added headmaster Barman.
Swadhin Boro, Head teacher of the Bhogdabari Lower Primary School, also said that he had noticed that some students and staff were also suffering from the infection.
He had requested that all the students and staff who have been infected by this virus stay at home and consult with an eye specialist.
The principal of Jawaharlal Nehru College, Boko Dr. Tapan Dutta, also stated that he personally found one faculty member and one college staff member infected with viral conjunctivitis.
“So I am already advising all the faculties, staff, and students, if someone is infected, they should stay in home isolation and take doctor’s advice, respectively,” added Principal Dutta.
On the other hand, a parent of a class X student from the Boko Don Bosco Higher Secondary School said that many students from Class X and other classes were infected.
“Even my son got infected, and it was transmitted to me. I have come to know that many other parents were also infected by their sons or daughters.” added the parent.
The parent also said that the principal of the school also circulated a notice through the WhatsApp mobile application, i.e., “Dear Teachers, Parents, and Students, Just to remind you all, most of our students are getting the eye flu virus. Therefore, I request that all those students who are suffering from eye flu remain at home and look after themselves well.”
What is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin clear tissue that lines the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants. Symptoms include redness, itching, discharge, and blurred vision. It is highly contagious and can spread easily through direct contact or touching contaminated surfaces.
