Fever, Madras Eye top list of calls on 104 helpline in October

CHENNAI: Drastic changes in weather conditions in October have led to an outbreak of eye infections, especially conjunctivitis, with the 104 helpline of the state health helpline receiving 1,632 calls from people complaining of the infection also known as Madras Eye.
However, fever topped the list of complaints on the helpline with 1801 calls. Other diseases on the list included abdominal pain with 1447 calls, cold and cough with 1416 calls.The helpline provides information on ailments and ways to prevent them.
On an average, it receives 3,500 calls a day from across the state. A 57-member team, including health advice officers, registration officers, counselling and medical officers, mans the control room.
Dr S Soundari of Agarwal Eye Hospitals attributes the rise in conjunctivitis cases to the sudden changes in climate. “I treated about 500 patients in October alone. However, the infection is mild compared to last season and can be treated in 3-4 days.”
When a family member contracts conjunctivitis, it can spread to others if precaution is not taken. The affected person must be kept in isolation. Hands must be kept clean and only disposable tissues used for wiping. Dr Soundari said red eyes alone did not mean a person had contracted conjunctivitis. “It could be any of a host of other eye-infections and people should never self-medicate,” she said.
Ophthalmologist S Muruganandham, who sees almost 10 cases in his clinic daily, said the virus was expected to be in the air till November. The best way to prevent its spread is to regularly wash eyes with tap water, he said.