Twin blows: Viral, seasonal allergic conjunctivitis cases see a surge
Times of India | 27 July 2026
Kolkata: Hundreds across Kolkata have been left with red, swollen and sticky eyes, thanks to a twin outbreak of viral conjunctivitis and seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Triggered by a swelling of the conjunctiva gland of the eye, it is highly contagious and has made many rush to doctors and hospital OPDs for treatment. This time, the outbreak has a new strain — microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis — a rare surface infection of the eye caused by microsporidia, which are microscopic, spore-forming intracellular parasites (now classified as fungi). It causes inflammation of both the retina and cornea.
A similar outbreak occurred last Nov and in 2024 when a spread of adenovirus left many with conjunctivitis. This time, however, the spike was triggered by temperature fluctuations, say ophthalmologists.
The spike was triggered by frequent weather changes, which may cause increase in viral activity, said ophthalmologists. “With monsoon onset and frequent fluctuations in weather, Kolkata has witnessed a noticeable rise in eye infections, particularly viral conjunctivitis, seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, and some cases of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis, often caused by the adenovirus, is affecting people across all age groups and is spreading rapidly in clusters. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is triggered by seasonal changes and exposure to allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet hair. It is more commonly seen in children and young adults, with males being slightly more affected than females, while the elderly are comparatively less susceptible,” Aditya Pradhan, Senior Consultant, Cornea Services, Disha Eye Hospitals.
Disha units have been receiving 12-15 conjunctivitis patients a day.
Conjunctivitis usually affects one eye first and then spreads to the other.
While it could be triggered by bacteria, some viruses, or allergies, adenovirus, a respiratory virus that often affects kids, could trigger severe conjunctivitis. “This time, however, we have not received adenovirus-triggered cases. This time, it has been triggered by other viruses so far. We have seen an unusually long viral spread this time and the weather conditions remain conducive for a range of viral infections including Influenza A and swine flu. These infections are accompanied by conjunctivitis and we have received several such patients,” said Charnock Hospital head pulmonologist Soumya Sengupta.
Increased exposure to contaminated water, crowded public spaces and frequent hand-to-eye contact further contribute to the transmission of conjunctivitis, said Suhana Datta, consultant ophthalmologist and vitroretinal surgeon at BP Poddar Hospital. “In the last three days, we received 17 patients in our ophthalmology OPD with conjunctivitis. Most patients present with redness, itching, watering, sticky discharge, light sensitivity and a persistent gritty sensation. For prevention, I advise my patients to avoid rubbing their eyes, maintain strict hand hygiene, use clean personal towels and avoid sharing personal items. Corneal involvement, which may not be apparent on routine examination, should always be carefully ruled out,” added Datta.
Other than adenovirus, viruses like enterovirus or rotavirus can also cause conjunctivitis or pink eye, Basak said. Kids have been affected in large numbers, with infection often spreading from schools. Many have been struck by an allergic form of conjunctivitis — vernal keratoconjunctivitis — that affects conjunctiva and the cornea, said paediatrician Shantanu Ray.
Treatment should always be supervised by an eye specialist. Irrational use of over-the-counter eye drops may prove to be counterproductive, especially in cases of viral conjunctivitis, said Datta.
“Conjunctivitis is common among adenovirus patients, especially when the number of cases proliferate, like it had in 2024 during an adenovirus outbreak. Any upper respiratory tract infection may cause conjunctivitis. But it is not any different or more infectious than other conjunctivitis and usually the symptoms recede quickly in natural course,” said CMRI Hospital pulmonology director Raja Dhar.