The Health Department of Punjab has advised citizens to follow precautionary measures amid rising cases of pink eye infection in the province.

“The virus transmits through coughing, sneezing, touching hands,” the department warned in its health guidelines issued on Thursday as it highlighted that many citizens were getting affected by the eye infections.

The safety protocol came a day afte the Punjab Health Department recorded more than 100 cases in Lahore instances in its outpatient department (OPD) until Wednesday.

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye disease, is the swelling of the conjunctiva (the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid) and/or eyelids, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the US.

Increased tear production, feeling like a foreign body is in the eye(s) or an urge to rub the eye(s), itching, irritation, and/or burning, discharge (pus or mucus), and crusting of eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning are the typical symptoms.

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The Health Department director general has issued guidelines to all district authorities.

The provincial government has said that the use of hand sanitizers must be started, advising the people to not touch eyes without washing hands.

“Do not use items from patients with eye infections,” it said and added that the infected persons pillow, clothes, medicine, and bed should be kept separately.

The Health Department advised the patients to not reuse facial items.

In an interview with Aaj News on Wednesday, Dr Bushra of Services Hospital recommended eye drops to the patients and advised the infected people should maintain strict practices and keep separate their regular items such as towel and toiletries from other.