Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa reports surge in ‘pink eye’ cases
Conjunctivitis, widely known as “pink eye,” has spread to alarming levels across several districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in flood-affected regions. According to the provincial health department, more than 22,800 cases were reported in August alone.
The rapid surge has overwhelmed hospitals. At Lady Reading Hospital, the largest facility in the province, doctors are dealing with over 150 new patients daily.
Worryingly, five ophthalmologists from the same hospital have also been infected.
Other major facilities are under strain as well Khyber Teaching Hospital is receiving 60 to 70 new cases each day, while Hayatabad Medical Complex reports around 80.
From January to August this year, official data shows a staggering 97,212 cases of conjunctivitis across KP.
The most affected districts include Nowshera, Peshawar, Swat, Shangla, Battagram, Mardan, and Buner.
Health officials point out that flood-hit areas with stagnant water and poor hygiene have seen the sharpest rise.
According to the health department’s August report, Swat recorded the highest number of infections (4,204), followed by Peshawar (2,254), Buner (1,743), Shangla (1,689), Lower Dir (1,484), Nowshera (1,194), Battagram (1,080), and Malakand (1,235).
Hospital sources say most patients are being treated in wards, but due to the highly contagious nature of the disease, doctors are avoiding the use of shared medical instruments and equipment on infected individuals.
Many patients are discharged after initial treatment with strict advice on preventive measures.
In response, the Health Department has issued a public advisory. Citizens have been urged to practice strict hygiene, avoid close contact, and isolate themselves if infected.
Patients are advised to use separate bedding and pillows, wear protective sunglasses in sunlight, and follow medical guidance.
Health experts caution that conjunctivitis typically lasts up to a week but spreads as rapidly as seasonal flu if preventive measures are ignored.
It may be recalled that two weeks ago, K-P Health Department directed all district and teaching hospitals to take immediate measures for the prevention and control of conjunctivitis (eye infection), following an advisory issued by the National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad.
