KATHMANDU, Sept 25: If a white butterfly is flying around you, avoid its infection.If its tiny hair gets into the eye, it can cause the SHAPU (Seasonal Hyperacute Pan-Uveitis) infection. If not treated promptly, it can lead to vision loss. Ophthalmologist Dr Smita Shrestha revealed that within one month, 30 percent of patients treated at Tilganga Eye Hospital experienced complex issues due to the SHAPU infection in their eyes. Those with complex problems are currently undergoing treatment, but some are at the risk of losing their eyesight. "It takes about a month to assess the impact of vision loss caused by SHAPU," she mentioned.
Dr Shrestha explains that if the fine hairs of a white butterfly with black spots on its wings enter the eye, they can lead to SHAPU. These tiny butterfly hairs carry harmful germs, which can cause an eye infection when they enter the eye. This type of butterfly is typically seen from September to November, and if you touch it and then touch your eye, the butterfly's hairs can enter your eye, introducing germs that cause infection. Doctors warn that untreated SHAPU infections can result in vision loss, and the speed of infection can vary depending on the patient's immune system.
Kamal Bahadur Khadka, director of the hospital, reported that eight people in Nepal Eye Hospital have been infected with SHAPU since the first week of September. These patients have come from within the Kathmandu Valley. The BP Koirala Lions Center for Ophthalmic Studies, Maharajgunj, has seen seven patients arrive from both inside and outside the valley over the past month. Among those who arrived, a child who came from outside the valley had a complicated problem due to late arrival.
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After immediate surgical intervention to address the complex issue, improvements have been observed, says ophthalmologist Dr Ranju Sitoula, who specializes in eye diseases. Those who come for treatment have come from Budhanilkantha, Swayambhu, Baluwatar, Chundevi within Kathmandu. The Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology has stated that a significant number of individuals near and within the valley have been infected with SHAPU.
Those experiencing complex eye problems, whether from near or far, should seek medical attention when their symptoms appear, as delays in treatment can lead to vision issues. Dr Shrestha mentioned that some patients only sought medical care after their eye problems did not improve despite taking prescribed medications. "There are many people who come for treatment after eye sores are not cured even after taking medicine," said Dr Shrestha.
Symptoms such as reddening of the eyes and difficulty seeing in the light are seen after the infection in the eyes. If left untreated, the eyes can turn white and yellow due to the presence of pus from bacterial infections. SHAPU does not typically cause eye itching or excessive discharge. Based on these symptoms, doctors can diagnose the condition.
Dr Shrestha recommends that when these symptoms are noticed, it is possible to seek further assistance within two hours, which can help mitigate the additional effects. According to Dr Ranju Sitaula, who specializes in eye diseases, a study is being conducted on the butterflies that transmit the infection and the bacteria found in their hair at the BP Koirala Lions Center for Ophthalmic Studies to examine the transmission of butterfly infections and eye diseases. According to her, this year, 60 individuals across the country have been infected with SHAPU diseases.
Last year, among 150 people infected with SHAPU, 70 percent were children and 30 percent were elderly people. Recent studies have shown that even older people are infected with SHAPU. Last year, 30 percent of those infected with SHAPU lost their eyesight.
The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division is working to raise public awareness about SHAPU's spread. If symptoms of SHAPU appear or if there is difficulty seeing in the light, redness, or discomfort in the eyes, individuals should immediately visit the nearest health center. Ophthalmologists will distribute the primary recommended medications through these centers. Since such medicines are only available at local health posts, this approach can minimize the risk of vision loss.
