Heat wave increases cases of conjunctivitis in Yucatan

With the heat wave and the increase in flu cases in Yucatan in recent weeks, cases of conjunctivitis have “skyrocketed”, particularly in school-age children, according to specialists.

As of March 25, there were 3,411 cases (1,649 men and 1,762 women), a figure that exceeds by 121 percent the 1,544 infections reported at the same time last year. Just in the last week, 404 new cases were confirmed.

Pediatric specialists point out that with the onset of spring and the consequent hot season in Yucatan, it is common for different types of allergies to increase, one of which is conjunctivitis, which is not contagious and is associated with other similar conditions such as rhinitis, asthma, and dermatitis.

“Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the thin covering of the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids (the conjunctiva). Despite being transparent, it contains blood vessels that cover the sclera (white part) of the eye,” explained David Canché Durán, pediatric surgeon and master in public health.

He warned that normally during spring, one in every four people suffers from conjunctivitis, one of the most common conditions among the population, and for this reason, hygiene measures must be adopted. He explained that the main types of conjunctivitis, according to their cause, are: viral, caused by a virus, such as a simple cold.

It is highly contagious, but usually disappears in a few days without the need for medical treatment.

The second type is bacterial, which can cause serious damage to the eye if left untreated. And finally, allergic, caused by eye irritants such as pollen, dust, and animal dander in susceptible individuals.

The specialist from the Ginerés Ambulatory Clinic in Mérida added that it is often difficult to distinguish the type of conjunctivitis from the symptoms (if other eye problems or underlying health conditions are present).

“Some associated conditions include other infections such as dry eye and blepharitis. It should also be noted that bacterial conjunctivitis can lead to serious problems such as corneal ulcer and potential loss of vision. Therefore, every time you observe that your eyes are red and irritated, you should go to the doctor and avoid home remedies that can cause greater damage,” Canché Durán concluded.

TYT Newsroom