Pune witnesses decline in Conjunctivitis cases

The number of new Conjunctivitis cases in Maharashtra has declined to 35,000 from 1.99 lakh cases, and health officials expect the trend to continue. The peak period of the outbreak was in the first week of August, but measures such as awareness campaigns and screening of school children have helped control the outbreak. Pune district has the highest number of cases at 57,012. Citizens are urged to follow good hygiene and infected people should isolate at home.

For the past two weeks, Maharashtra has seen a decline in the number of new Conjunctivitis cases. The number of weekly fresh cases in the state has come down to 35,000 from 1.99 lakh cases. The cases are likely to further decline, said health department officials.

For the past two weeks, Maharashtra has seen a decline in the number of new Conjunctivitis cases. (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)

Since the outbreak of eye flu, till August 20, 462,006 cases have been reported in the state. The highest number of cases- 199,358 was reported between August 2-8. The declining trend is being witnessed for the past two weeks, said officials.

Dr Bhagwan Pawar, PMC health officer said, “Cases in Pune have also declined. Earlier, around 400 cases were reported daily, now, the number of cases reported daily is 80-100.The trend could reverse if people do not follow safety measures. We urge citizens to follow good hygiene and infected people should get isolated at home.”

Dr Kailas Baviskar, deputy director of health services said, “The peak period of the outbreak was witnessed during the first week of August. Now, we have started witnessing a decline. The health department has taken various measures like awareness campaigns, screening of school children and door-to-door visits to control the outbreak.”