A man in Mozambique has become blind after using traditional medicine and urine to treat conjunctivitis, health officials have warned.
The man, Babu Aiuba, is currently receiving treatment at the Central Hospital of Quelimane after losing his sight earlier this month. Mr. Aiuba told local reporters he had contracted haemorrhagic conjunctivitis, a highly contagious form of the eye infection.
“I washed my eyes with soap and urine,” he said, explaining a “practice of people in the neighbourhood.” However, this treatment worsened his condition, ultimately leading to blindness.
Opthalmologist Eugénia Cavele blamed the use of traditional medicines for the progression of Mr. Aiuba’s conjunctivitis to blindness. “I would like to warn everyone who has symptoms or signs of conjunctivitis not to use substances that are not scientifically proven and not to self-medicate, as this can lead to stages of blindness,” Dr. Cavele said.
This is the first reported case of blindness caused by traditional treatment since the outbreak of haemorrhagic conjunctivitis in Mozambique. The outbreak has affected nearly all Mozambican provinces, including the capital, Maputo. Authorities have also reported a significant outbreak at the Maputo Provincial Penitentiary Establishment, where at least 270 inmates are infected.
Conjunctivitis outbreaks have also been reported in several other countries in eastern and southern Africa.
