The conjunctivitis or pink eye infection is rapidly spreading throughout Punjab, as more than 10,000 cases have been reported in the last 24 hours.

According to a report shared by Punjab Health Department, 10,269 cases were reported in Punjab and the maximum belongs to Bahawalpur where at least 1,540 cases were reported.

The report stated that 1,132 cases were reported in Faisalabad, 1,048 in Multan, and 452 cases emerged in Lahore.

As per the data of the Health Department, in the current year, 94,795 individuals were infected with the disease.

The health department also has issued directions to eye surgeons to stay alert 24/7 until the spread is controlled.

Meanwhile, in a bid to curb the spread of pink eye infection, all government and private schools in Punjab were ordered to remain closed for four days.

The closure period included the Eid Miladun Nabi holiday, as well as the Saturday and Sunday weekend, providing extended break for students. Schools are expected to reopen on Monday.

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye disease, is the inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (the conjunctiva) that lines the eyelid and covers the eyeball.

Minister for Primary and Secondary Health Care Nasir Jamal said conjunctivitis doesn’t affect eyesight and it takes eight to ten days to get better.

He added that the ministry had provided eye drops to all the hospitals in enough quantity and denied reports related to the shortfall of medicines.