CHENNAI: The city corporation has ordered all pools, run by both corporation and private firms, to shut down as a temporary measure to stop the spread of pharyngoconjunctival fever —red-eye accompanied by sore throat, fever and fatigue.

The infection, commonly known as pool disease, is mainly found among swimmers who share a pool. And it is caused by adenovirus, the most common cause of acute viral infection of the conjunctiva. "It is a precautionary measure. The managers are open to operate their pools but the corporation will come on regular checks to ensure the pools are hygienic and maintained well," said D Karthikeyan, corporation commissioner. "We have a list of suspect pools, which we will closely monitor," he said.

In the last few weeks, ophthalmologists in the city said they were seeing a large number of patients with pharyngoconjunctival fever. Government ophthalmic hospital director Dr K Vasantha said the hospital sees at least five patients with swollen red eyes coupled with high fever, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, headache and fever that lasts for at least four days. "Not all of them are swimmers," said Dr Vasantha.

Doctors at private hospitals like Sankara Nethralaya and Agarwal Hospitals have also seen more patients with the disease. Most patients are given antibiotic eye drops, paracetamol. Those like Dr Amar Agarwal of Agarwal Eye Hospitals advise patients to gargle with warm water and salt. The pain in eyes can be relieved by applying a freshly ironed handkerchief on the eyelids or tissues warmed on kitchen pan. "It is contagious, so better to stay at home," he said.

In a typical case, there is a sudden onset of fever that goes up to 104 degrees F and fatigue sets in. Many complain of bowel disturbance and sore throat. Eyes can turn red and irritable.