The majority of cases are reported in the Northeastern states, Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

Eye flu cases are on the rise across the country, raising concerns among specialists about a new viral infection threat in New Delhi.

According to Dr. Jeewan Singh Titiyal, ophthalmology professor and Chief of RP Eye Center at AIIMS (Delhi) -

“There is an outbreak like situation of Conjunctivitis or eye flu this year. At AIIMS, we are seeing significant increases in cases and more than 100 patients per day. This is a viral infection and very common in India because this year we had extreme rains & flood, humid conditions and hygiene level has also gone down. What needs to be done is that people need to wash their hands and avoid touching their eyes. Use goggles if infected as it curbs the transmission of the virus. It’s a self-limiting disease goes away easily in some days, but one should consult an eye specialist if have itching and redness in eyes.”

Senior scientist at National Institute of Virology, Pune said -

“We need to educate people, especially school children, about viral infections and what precautionary measures they need to follow. These infections are very common. For example- conjunctivitis is not new and has been occurring. Health, sanitation, crowded areas and weather & climate conditions are some of the factors. There is a sudden spurt of cases and formation of clusters in multiple places. We have collected a few samples locally and are examining them.”

Doctors warn of home infections, emphasize outdoor hygiene, and highlight increased vulnerability post-Covid.

Dr. Sanjiv Gupta, I Care Centre Director in New Delhi, reports that 10-15 conjunctivitis patients are observed daily due to increased precautions during the Covid-19 pandemic. Conjunctivitis is typically self-resolving and rarely causes permanent eye damage. However, corneal damage can occur, which can be treated accordingly.