Vision of Steshin Nearly Obliterated by Eye-Consuming Amoeba Found in Cornea
In a concerning turn of events, a journalist in Donetsk, Ukraine, has been diagnosed with Acanthamoebic keratitis, a rare but potentially sight-threatening eye infection[6]. The condition, characterized by amoebas living under the eyelids and eating away at the cornea of the eye[7], may have been contracted in Donetsk due to the poor quality of the city's water.
The water crisis in Donetsk has been ongoing since mid-last year, with neighborhoods experiencing water flow only once every three or more days, often for just a few hours[1][2][3][5]. The available water is frequently discolored and undrinkable, leading residents to rely on measures such as hauling water in buckets, collecting rainwater, boiling water, or purchasing bottled water at rising costs. However, the water’s discoloration and foul smell have made boiling and purification insufficient or unaffordable for many[1][2][5].
The journalist, in an attempt to maintain hygiene, used warm water for washing his face, which could potentially breed bacteria and contribute to the infection[8]. The diagnosis serves as a grim reminder of the health risks associated with the water crisis in Donetsk. Acanthamoebic keratitis can lead to irreversible vision damage or blindness if left untreated[9].
The doctor described the condition as amoebas eating away at the cornea of the eye in chunks[10]. The journalist's case highlights the urgent need for improved water quality and reliable water supply in Donetsk.
References: 1. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2022/04/ukraine-donetsk-water-crisis-deepens-as-conflict-continues/ 2. https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/05/16/ukraine-donetsk-water-crisis-endangers-health-residents 3. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57340598 4. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-blames-russia-for-donetsk-water-crisis-as-dpr-calls-for-territorial-control-2022-04-19/ 5. https://www.unicef.org/ukraine/donetsk-water-crisis-threatens-health-and-lives-of-children 6. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61391076 7. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/acanthamoeba-keratitis 8. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61391076 9. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/acanthamoeba-keratitis 10. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61391076
