Cases of ‘Madras eye’ infection increased in Tamil Nadu. here’s why

Tamil Nadu Health Minister, M Subramaniam advised people infected with conjunctivitis to self-isolate to prevent the spread of the infection.

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The minister told HT that with the onset of the northeast monsoon, around 1.5 lakh people in Tamil Nadu have been diagnosed with conjunctivitis. He also informed that at least 80 to 100 people are diagnosed with conjunctivitis every day in the 10 eye care centers located in the capital city of Chennai. Districts like Salem and Dharmapuri are reporting high cases, HT reported.

Significantly, Tamil Nadu is in the grip of an active monsoon system. The cases of conjunctivitis are on the rise in the state due to incessant rains. The Northeast Monsoon is currently lashing the state with heavy rains and the mercury dropped to 22 degrees Celsius in Chennai.

At least 500 patients suffering from conjunctivitis visit Dr Srinivasan G Rao, senior ophthalmologist and regional head of clinical services at Dr Aggarwal Eye Hospital in Chennai, every day. Hindustan Times,

According to Dr. Srinivasan G. Rao, the main reason for the increase in case load is the prolonged rains. 90% of the total cases are due to infection with adenovirus. People infected with ‘Madras eye’ may experience redness, itching, burning and grittiness in their eyes. They may also face the problem of watery discharge from the eyes similar to tears. It is very common for the infection to spread to the other eye. Infection in children is increasing rapidly.

There are two types of conjunctivitis. It is caused either by bacteria or virus. Madras eye infection spreads rapidly among people. It is spread through secretions from the eyes. One of the most common habits of people with conjunctivitis is touching their eyes. However, it can spread the infecting virus or bacteria to another person or object that comes into contact with the secretions.