PONDA: Due to the relentless monsoon rains, Ponda and Dharbandora talukas in Goa have witnessed a surge in cases of eye flu infections. Despite health advisories urging patients to stay indoors, some individuals were reportedly seen wandering the streets openly. At Piliem Primary Health Center and Ponda Sub-District Hospital, 40% of patients were diagnosed with the eye flu infection.
Health experts attribute the rise in conjunctivitis cases to the drastic weather changes brought about by the heavy rains in recent days. To mitigate the spread of the infection, patients are advised to maintain absolute hygiene, wash their hands frequently, at least ten to twelve times a day, and refraining from touching their eyes often. It is also crucial for patients to keep their personal toiletries separate to prevent further contamination. If any child shows signs of infection, parents are urged not to send them to school and seek medical attention promptly from eye specialists.
Dr Siddhesh Naik, an ophthalmologist at the Sub-District Hospital, emphasized the importance of seeking immediate medical examination and treatment from eye specialists for infected patients. Dr Jayashri Madkaikar, Medical Superintendent at Ponda Sub-District Hospital, highlighted the need for heightened vigilance.