Itanagar/IBNS/UNI: Authorities in India's north eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh have ordered the closure of schools for five days in Itanagar following an outbreak of conjunctivitis, a highly contagious eye infection.

The district authorities in Itanagar Capital Complex and Longding ordered the closure of both government and private schools under their respective jurisdiction for the next five days as a preventive measure to break the chain of transmission of the disease, official sources said.

Viral conjunctivitis is a highly contagious eye infection caused by various viruses. Common symptoms include redness, itching, excessive tearing, and a gritty feeling in the eye. It can spread easily through direct or indirect contact with an infected person's eye secretions, contaminated objects, or respiratory droplets, health officials said.

A survey was conducted by the District Surveillance Unit, Itanagar Capital Complex and it has been observed that conjunctivitis is highly contagious and spreads rapidly amongst groups, irrespective of any age.

“Therefore, as a preventive measure, all the Government and private schools (from nursery to class VIII under the jurisdiction of Capital, Itanagar are hereby suspended for a period of 5 days with effect from July 25 to 29, 2023,” the DC said in the order.

In Longding too, the district administration has taken swift action to combat the outbreak of acute allergic conjunctivitis, by ordering the temporary closure of schools in the Kanubari sub-division.

Deputy Commissioner Bani Lego said, “Considering the seriousness of the matter, all the heads of schools under Kanubari and Lawnu education blocks are hereby directed to close down their respective schools temporarily till July 29, in order to break the chain of spread of the disease.”

Notably, there have also been reports of a suspected conjunctivitis outbreak in several schools within the West Siang district, prompting the district health authorities to issue a public health advisory, outlining preventive measures to curb further spread of the infection in the community, official sources said.

To prevent the further spread of viral conjunctivitis, the Health department in Itanagar Capital Complex recommended to citizens the preventive measures like, frequent hand washing, avoid touching your eyes, personal hygiene, disinfecting surfaces, and isolate infected individuals.

“If you experience symptoms of viral conjunctivitis, such as redness, itching, or eye discharge, seek medical attention promptly. While viral conjunctivitis is typically self-limiting and resolves on its own, a healthcare professional can provide proper diagnosis and advice on symptom management,” it said.