Trachoma Latest News
Recently, Fiji became the 26th country to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem.
About Trachoma
- It is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis which affects the eyes.
- It is contagious; spreading through contact with the eyes, eyelids, nose or throat secretions of infected people, if left untreated it causes irreversible blindness.
- It is found in communities who are living in poor environmental conditions.
- Treatment: The two drugs recommended for trachoma are azithromycin and an ointment made with tetracycline.
Signs and Symptoms of Early Stages of Trachoma Include:
- Red and irritated eyes.
- Swollen eyelids.
- Blurred vision.
- Watery discharge from the eyes.
- Discharge from the nose.
Initiatives by the World Health Organisation Regarding Trachoma
- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has termed Trachoma as a neglected tropical disease and its estimation suggests that 150 million people worldwide are affected by Trachoma.
- To eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, WHO recommends the SAFE strategy.
Source: WHO
Trachoma FAQs
Q1: What is Trachoma?
Ans: A bacterial infection of the eye caused by Chlamydia trachomatis
Q2: How is Trachoma transmitted?
Ans: Through direct contact with an infected person's eye or nose discharge
