ATTOCK, Sept 4: Like some others parts of the country, conjunctivitis has also been reported in many areas of Attock district, with ophthalmologists at major hospitals confirming they are receiving a large number of patients.

“A number of patients infected with conjunctivitis are visiting government and private hospitals,” said a local eye specialist Dr Afzal Mirza .

Talking to Dawn, Dr Mirza confirmed that this viral eye infection was on the rise in the area and advised people to take precaution measures against this disease. He said the cause of conjunctivitis was both viral and bacterial. Spread of such diseases after the flood is common, he added.

Symptoms include redness, burning and itching. He said viral conjunctivitis could be transmitted from one person to another through contact, sharing of towels, pillows and cosmetics and facial contact.—Correspondent