The state has so far reported 1,006 cases since July 1, which is the most in recent history...
Digital Desk: Amid rising cases of conjunctivitis in Nagaland, three districts in the state have shut schools for a week from Monday.
As per reports, schools in Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Nuiland will remain closed till August 26.
According to the state program officer for the National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI) Dr Hoito Sema, an Assam Rifles personnel who returned to Phek district from leave in July reported the first case of conjunctivitis.
The state has so far reported 1,006 cases since July 1, which is the most in recent history, he said.
With 721 cases, Dimapur recorded the most instances, followed by Kohima with 198 and Mokokchung with 87, he continued.
As several district hospitals have still to submit their reports, the number of patients is anticipated to increase, said Sema.
According to separate orders issued by the deputy commissioners of Chumoukedima, Dimapur, and Niuland announcing the closure of schools, conjunctivitis cases have been increasing, particularly among children. It has been decided that physical education classes will remain suspended to stop the spread of infections.
The DCs advised the school administration to consider alternatives for the students during this time, such as online classes.
The principal director of school education, Thavaseelan K told PTI that the department will not be issuing a state-wide directive but that the DCs have the authority to halt physical education classes in light of the circumstances in their districts.
Sema and his team evaluated the situation at the district hospital in light of the severity of the Dimapur situation.
He expressed the hope that school shutdowns will help to reduce the instances, adding that conjunctivitis is a seasonal condition and should go away once the rainy season is over.
The All Nagaland Private Schools' Association (ANPSA) Central, appealed to the Dimapur administration to cancel the order for the closure of schools, claiming that there is no uncontrollable conjunctivitis outbreak in the district's schools.
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