According to doctors, the DC said in the circular, the disease is highly contagious and may spread from one ?infected person to another.?Conjunctivitis is a highly contagious eye infection caused by various viruses. Common symptoms include redness, itching, excessive tearing and a gritty feeling in the eye. It can spread easily through direct or indirect contact with an infected person's eye secretions, contaminated objects or respiratory droplets.

To prevent the further spread of the disease, the health authorities have recommended frequent hand washing, to avoid touching eyes, personal hygiene, disinfecting surfaces and to isolate infected individuals. Meanwhile, Longding DDSE Taje Jilen said the circular for closure of schools was issued following reports from Kanubari block education officer (BEO).

"We don't have the figure of how many students have been affected by the disease," he added. According to an official communique, suspected conjunctivitis outbreak has been reported in several schools in West Siang district.