Bengaluru: The fight with Tamil Nadu is still on over Cauvery issue, but first time in last three years, the Bengalureans are scared of something that is named after Madras!
Yes, the city is coming under grip of Conjunctivitis, which is popularly called ‘Madras Eye’!
Conjunctivitis or Madras Eye or Pink Eye is an inflammation of the outermost layer of the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid, which may be caused due to an infection. It is contagious and passes from person to person. It can also spread through contaminated objects or water. Since a former superintendent of the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology in the City of Madras- Kirk Patrick first found the adeno-virus that caused the problem, Conjunctivitis gets its name ‘Madras Eye’.
According to the ophthalmologists in the city, since last couple of days hundreds of cases of Madras Eye have been reported and this is higher among the school children.
According to the residents of East Bengaluru including KR Puram, Banasawdi etc since last Saturday Madras Eye problem has started to spread.
“My daughter got it first from her classmate in the school. Even though many students are infected by Madras Eye School didn’t announce holiday. As a result it is now spreading,” said Saraswathamma, a resident of KR Puram. But according to many parents this infection is reported in all most all schools of the area.
According to the ophthalmologists, even though no specific reason can be attributed to the spread of the Madras Eye in the city, it is common in the winter season. “Madras Eye spreads easily from one person to another. As it is reported from schools of East Bengaluru first now it may spread across the city in next few days. Only precautions can help the city residents to stop the spread of this infection,” says Dr Sharath Gopalakrishna, a family physician who adds that only way to stop the spread of the infection is maintaining hygiene and ensuring that infected kids/adults do not rub their eyes with infected hands.
