Schools across Pakistan are closing due to an outbreak of conjunctivitis.
The Punjab provincial government said on Wednesday that it has announced the closure of more than 56,000 private and public schools in Punjab from September 28 to October 1 to curb the spread of viral conjunctivitis.
The province has recorded some 357,000 cases of conjunctivitis since the beginning of the year, according to AFP.
“The lockdown has been announced as a proactive measure to provide maximum protection to students from infection,” Punjab Education Ministry spokesman Zulfiqar Ali told AFP. “We hope this will Breaking the cycle of infection in the province.”
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Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. It can also be caused by irritation or infection, which can be viral or bacterial.
The outbreak in Pakistan is caused by a virus. Viral conjunctivitis, which can be caused by a variety of viruses including adenovirus, is highly contagious and often causes large outbreaks in schools and other crowded places, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Symptoms include characteristic pink eyes, eyelid swelling and increased tear production, itching of the eyes and eyelids, and pus and crusting of the eyelids and eyelashes. Viral conjunctivitis may also be accompanied by flu-like symptoms and thinner, watery eye discharge.
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Lahore is the worst-affected district in Punjab, according to local newspaper Dawn. School closures should reduce the spread of infection because schools are usually open on weekends.
Students will be tested when they return to school on October 2.
According to Dawn newspaper, Punjab acting chief minister Mohsin Naqvi said these measures are expected to reduce cases by 50%.