February 9: A Conjunctivitis outbreak has been reported at the Gasa Tsa Chu. The outbreak at the Gasa Tsha Chu comes a month after a similar outbreak was reported at the Gelephu Tsa Chu.

A health official at the Gasa Basic Health Unit says the infected are being treated with antibiotic eye drops and ointments. To prevent the outbreak from spreading, those who are suffering from the infection are being advised not to share towels or the Tshachu ponds with other people.

Our correspondent Wangchuk Dorji says the infection was first reported in a visitor who came from Chukha.

The health official at the BHU says with limited stock of eye drops and ointments, there are chances of the infection getting worse. He said they have asked for additional medicine supply from Thimphu.

At present there are about 500 visitors at the hot spring area.