Trachoma has almost been eradicated from India. Trachoma has now been eliminated from the country. This means that the prevalence of trachoma cases in India is now less than 1%. This is a significant milestone for our country, for which the World Health Organization (WHO) has honored India. So far, only 20 countries in the world, including India, have achieved this feat. Trachoma is a type of bacterial infection. The bacteria that causes it is called Chlamydia trachomatis in medical language. More important than the name of a bacteria is its function. This bacteria was once the leading cause of blindness worldwide, including India. It is an infectious disease that mainly affects the eyes. As a result, the inner surface of the eyelids becomes rough.
If left untreated, this condition can cause severe pain, corneal damage, and eventually blindness. The biggest difficulty is that blindness caused by trachoma is incurable.
According to the World Health Organization, trachoma remains a major health problem in 39 countries around the world. Because of this, 19 million people around the world have lost their sight. The complete eradication of this disease in India is therefore a huge achievement.
so today “Health form” I’m going to talk about trachoma. You will also learn that-
What are the reasons why trachoma can spread? What are its treatment and precautions? What types of symptoms require caution?
Trachoma caused 4% of blindness in India in 2005.
According to the World Health Organization, trachoma was responsible for 4% of blindness cases in India in 2005. After that, by 2018, the prevalence of trachoma had fallen to 0.008%.
After a detailed review of all the facts, figures and cases related to trachoma in India, the WHO team came to the conclusion that this disease has almost been eliminated from India. The team sent its recommendation to WHO and WHO approved it.
How many trachoma patients are there in the country and in the world?
According to World Health Organization estimates, around 32.8 million people worldwide were treated for trachoma with antibiotics in 2020, while more than 42,000 people faced serious illnesses. Therefore, surgical help had to be taken for its treatment. Today, approximately 19 million people worldwide are blind or visually impaired due to trachoma. Trachoma is currently responsible for approximately 1.4% of blindness cases worldwide.
Renowned ophthalmologist Dr Digvijay Singh says India’s healthcare system may have made great strides in the fight against trachoma. Despite this, doctors and ordinary people must remain cautious. Even a little carelessness can cause infection.
What types of symptoms need special attention?
Dr Digvijay Singh says the symptoms of trachoma are similar to normal eye infections. Over time, the lesion on the white part of the eye becomes larger. In this case, first of all, dryness increases in the eyes and swelling occurs in the eyelids. Then a tingling sensation appears in the eye and the cornea begins to be damaged. Trachoma symptoms gradually progress and cause damage. It is therefore important to identify it early and treat it.
What are its symptoms, see in the chart.
How is trachoma spread?
This disease is spread by direct contact with discharge from the eyes, nose, or throat of an infected person. If flies come into contact with the secretions, trachoma can also be spread through them.
Dr Digvijay Singh says this disease is mainly spreading in developing countries. The main reason behind this is that there is more dust and dirt, which causes flies to flourish more. In most cases of trachoma, flies carry the bacteria.
Dr. Digvijay Singh says most of the trachoma cases he received were from rural or urban areas because the risk of filth and flies appearing there is higher.
If bacteria reaches our hands or face through a fabric, surface or fly, it easily reaches the eyes and causes an infection.
Trachoma is easy to treat
Dr Digvijay Singh says trachoma is a dangerous bacterial infection. It can cause blindness, but its treatment is just as simple.
Since the symptoms of trachoma gradually increase, there is enough time to treat it and antibiotics are a very effective medicine in its treatment. Doctors generally recommend azithromycin. But we cannot take this medicine alone without consulting the doctor.
What are the ways to prevent trachoma?
Dr. Digvijay Singh says that cleanliness is the most basic and important thing to avoid trachoma or any other bacterial infection.
Therefore, continue to wash your hands frequently. Especially before touching your face, wash your hands with clean water.
Flies also carry bacteria during this infection. Therefore, also ensure cleanliness around your living space. Apart from this, what other solutions can be found, see in the chart.
The eradication of trachoma is a great hope in the fight against dengue and malaria
We have joined the list of 20 countries in the world that have eliminated trachoma. Dr. Digvijay Singh says the eradication of trachoma offers great hope in the fight against many vector-borne diseases spreading in India.
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According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, children’s screen time may prove to be a major problem in the future. This can increase the risk of many diseases. The problem of dry eyes is increasing among children due to them looking at too many screens.