Pink Eye Virus

As Pink eye virus cases surge in many cities of Pakistan, the government announced a day off in schools as 85 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours in Lahore. Health advisory warnings urge people to exercise extreme caution, as it spreads as easily as COVID-19. This surge in eye infection cases has raised concerns once again over the health system of the country, leading to many questions about what the pink eye virus is, how it started, and how harmful it could be.

Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, is an irritation or infection of the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and the whites of the eyes. Like in other countries, it started spreading in Pakistan and other regions. The key question is the nature of the virus responsible for this outbreak, which can be understood by referring to reports such as:

A newly emerged variant of the COVID virus, known as XBB.1.16 or informally as Arcturus, is attracting global attention due to its rapid dissemination and the unexpected symptom it triggers: conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as 'pink eye.' Arcturus is categorized as a subvariant of Omicron and was first detected in India. It has displayed swift transmission, with documented cases in numerous countries. In the United States, it currently constitutes more than 12.5 percent of reported cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The World Health Organization has designated Arcturus as a 'variant of interest,' signifying its possession of genetic alterations that could affect its behavior and potentially provide advantages compared to other circulating variants.

Arcturus consistently presents with symptoms of red and irritated eyes, particularly affecting children. While the appearance of bloodshot eyes can be disconcerting, experts emphasize that viral pink eye, on its own, typically does not pose a significant cause for concern. Moreover, at present, there is no evidence suggesting that Arcturus is more dangerous than previous virus variants. Nevertheless, the awareness that pink eye could serve as a symptom of a COVID infection is valuable, as it facilitates early detection and potentially aids in preventing further transmission.

"The pink eye virus started early in the month of May in the US and then spread around the globe. As it struck across Pakistan with a continuous nature, it is transmitting at quite a pace without even showing other visible features of COVID-19, which may make people think that it is another pandemic. In reality, it is a symptom of a new variant of COVID-19, which is not harmful but highly contagious. However, the cases exhibiting these symptoms are not harmful but painful, and they could persist for up to 2 weeks. These symptoms include conjunctivitis, which involves redness, streaking, swelling, itching, or burning in the eyes. The precautions for this pink eye variant are similar to those for COVID-19:

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes.

Do not share personal items like towels, pillowcases, or eye makeup.

Clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces.

Wash hands immediately after administering eye drops to affected individuals.

For treating pink eye, eye drops and professional advice are recommended.

In conclusion, the emergence of the pink eye virus has raised significant concerns across Pakistan. This highly contagious variant of COVID-19, characterized by its distinctive symptom of conjunctivitis or "pink eye," has been spreading rapidly throughout the country. It is especially prevalent among children, making vigilance and precautionary measures crucial. If your child exhibits symptoms of pink eye, such as redness, swelling, itching, or burning in the eyes, it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention. Given the contagious nature of this variant, visiting an emergency center is recommended to ensure proper evaluation and treatment.

In these challenging times, it is essential to adhere to stringent safety measures, akin to those adopted for COVID-19. This includes frequent handwashing with soap and warm water, or the use of hand sanitizer when necessary. Avoiding eye touching or rubbing, refraining from sharing personal items like towels and eye makeup, and diligent cleaning and disinfecting of frequently-touched surfaces are all essential precautions. while the pink eye virus itself is not inherently harmful, it can cause significant discomfort and inconvenience, with symptoms lasting up to two weeks. As such, swift action, responsible behavior, and adherence to safety protocols are vital to protect the health and well-being of individuals and communities across Pakistan.