The number of people suffering from conjunctivitis is increasing as the temperatures rise.

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said Sunday that the number of patients with pinkeye or contagious conjunctivitis reached 19-point-two for the week from July 20, marking a rise for five consecutive weeks.

The KCDC asked children and teenagers to use extra caution as they spend long hours with many other people at school.

The disease center advised people to wash their hands frequently and never share personal items such as towels to prevent the spread of the eye disease.

The KCDC also advised pinkeye patients not to touch their eyes while visiting swimming pools or public places.