A MEDICAL specialist from Yangon University Hospital warned last week that fungal infections are on the rise as monsoon season peaks.

Dr Daw Mya Than, the superintendent of the hospital, said fungus is a parasite that is a common cause of ailments such as conjunctivitis (inflammation of the whites of the eyes), ringworm and skin disease.

Fungus breeds on thanakha logs, powder puffs for applying cosmetics and damp fabrics.

“Many women in Myanmar suffer from conjunctivitis during monsoon because fungus breeds on thanakha logs but most people don’t notice and don’t wash the log before use,” Dr Daw Mya Than said.

Once the fungus gets into the eyes it can cause itchiness, discomfort and tearing, as well as pain if the eyes are rubbed.

“If the problem persists it can lead to cornea damage, trachoma disease and even blindness,” she said.

Dr Daw Mya Than said people suffering from conjunctivitis should wash their hands before and after touching their eyes because the ailment can spread to non-infected eyes.

“It can be spread through clothes, towels and pillows that come into contact with infected eyes,” she said.

She said conjunctivitis and skin disease are prevalent in rural areas where most people live in houses made of wood and bamboo, prime breeding ground for fungus when the weather is humid.