2023-10-09 09:22:09
Conjunctivitis epidemic: thousands of people infected in Asia
In Asia, the number of cases of conjunctivitis has risen sharply in recent weeks. In Vietnam, India and Pakistan, numerous schools were closed to prevent the spread of the disease.
In the Indian state of Punjab, 13,000 cases of conjunctivitis were reported in a single day in September. In total there were 86,000 there in the month, and in Pakistan even 400,000.
The exact cause of the wave of spread is not yet known. However, the warm and humid weather in the region is suspected to be a contributing factor.
Conjunctivitis in Asia: Adenovirus as a trigger
The current wave of conjunctivitis in Asia appears to be due to a very specific pathogen: the Adenovirus. Adenoviruses are also widespread in Germany. They can be transmitted through respiratory droplets and usually cause mild symptoms such as red, itchy and watery eyes. According to scientists, adenoviruses are responsible for up to 75 percent of detected cases. They are usually highly contagious and can cause conjunctivitis as well as conjunctivitis Eye flu cause. Eye flu is a notifiable illness that is accompanied by severe symptoms such as fever, headache and vision problems.
How to protect yourself from conjunctivitis
The Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) recommends the following measures to protect yourself from conjunctivitis:
Wash your hands: Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and warm water, especially before touching your eyes.Keep your distance from sick people: Avoid close contact with people who have conjunctivitis.Avoid common items: Never use the same towels or pillows as a person who has conjunctivitis.
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