Mexico Eliminates Disease Which Is Leading Cause of Blindness

[Judi Lynn]

Source: NBC News


by BETHIA KWAK
APR 24 2017, 4:20 PM ET


In a significant public health victory, Mexico has succeeded in eliminating a disease which is the leading cause of blindness worldwide.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) announced Monday that Mexico is the first country in the Americas to eliminate trachoma. The disease, caused by a bacteria, affects the eye and repeated infections can lead to scarring and even loss of vision.

It primarily affects young children, and can be spread by personal contact or by flies that that have been in contact with the discharge from the eyes or nose of an infected person.

"This is a historic moment for public health in Mexico and the Americas," said Carissa F. Etienne, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), WHO regional office for the Americas. "Eliminating a disease is not achieved every day,"



Read more: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/mexico-eliminates-disease-which-leading-cause-blindness-n750306

[Lobo27]

1. We have good neighbor down south,

and the one up north isn't to bad either.

Good for Mexico.

[LeftInTX]

2. My grandmother went blind in one eye from trachoma

[flying-skeleton]

3. Meanwhile ... in the USA .. The swamps are full of blind people !!

The swamps are full of blind people !!

[ProfessorPlum]

4. Thank you science

And hooray for Mexico