The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a wide range of symptoms, from fever and cough to loss of taste and smell. Now, health officials in Los Angeles County are warning that a new variant of the virus may be causing a surprising new symptom: pink eye.
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the eye’s conjunctiva, the thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. It can cause redness, swelling, itching, and discharge.
According to the LA County Department of Public Health, several patients with confirmed COVID-19 have also developed pink eye in recent weeks. While pink eye is not a common symptom of COVID-19, it is possible that the new variant is causing it to appear more frequently.
“This is a concerning development,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the director of the LA County Department of Public Health. “We are seeing an increase in cases of pink eye among COVID-19 patients, which suggests that this new variant may be affecting the eyes as well as the respiratory system.”
The new variant, known as B.1.617.2 or the “Indian variant,” was first detected in India and has since spread to several other countries, including the United States. It is believed to be more contagious than previous variants of the virus and may be less responsive to some vaccines.
Health officials are urging anyone who develops pink eye or any other unusual symptoms to get tested for COVID-19. They also recommend that people continue to practice social distancing, wear masks, and wash their hands frequently to reduce their risk of infection.
While pink eye is usually a mild condition that can be treated with eye drops or ointments, it can sometimes lead to more serious complications, such as vision loss or infection of the cornea. People with COVID-19 who develop pink eye may also be at higher risk of spreading the virus to others through contact with their eyes.
As the pandemic continues to evolve, health officials are closely monitoring for new symptoms and developments related to the virus. In the meantime, they encourage people to stay informed and take steps to protect themselves and their communities from COVID-19.
