The state of Nayarit has seen a disturbing increase in the number of conjunctivitis cases, which have increased by 53.88% so far this year compared to the same period in 2022.
The figures were revealed in the Ministry of Health’s weekly epidemiological bulletin, sparking growing concern among the public.
According to weekly statistics from the Ministry of Health, the state of Nayarit has seen a significant increase in conjunctivitis cases as of week 40, with a total of 11,369 cases. The data is particularly troubling compared to the same period last year, when only 7,388 cases were reported. This is equivalent to an average of 26.38 patients per day in 2022, which has risen significantly to 40.6 patients per day this year.
Conjunctivitis, a disease involving inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane between the eyelids and eyeball, is a cause for concern because of how quickly it spreads. The most common symptoms of this disease include a foreign body sensation in the eye, itching, blurred vision, eye pain, redness of the conjunctiva, excessive tearing, photophobia (fear of light), and serous, watery and/or discharge or pus. At night, these secretions can form crusts on the eyelashes, commonly known as blemishes, causing considerable discomfort to those suffering from the condition.
One of the most worrying aspects is that if conjunctivitis is left untreated, it can lead to a complication called hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, which has not been reported in the state so far. This variant is characterized by the presence of bloody tears and requires urgent and specialized attention to avoid serious consequences for eye health.
Recently, the Institute of Social Security of the Mexican state of Nayarit urged the public to maintain adequate eye hygiene, avoid close contact with infected people, and seek medical treatment at the first signs of conjunctivitis to prevent its spread and ensure a speedy recovery. Conjunctivitis is a condition that, while common, should not be underestimated, and prompt treatment is crucial to prevent complications that may threaten the patient’s vision.