TAPLEJUNG, Oct 3: Basant Limbu of Lelepa, Ward No. 6, Phaktanglung Rural Municipality, Taplejung, recently experienced sudden redness and stickiness in his eyes. As mild pain developed and his vision gradually worsened, he even sought the help of a traditional healer (dhami-jhankri), but his condition did not improve.
After the healer could not treat him, Limbu visited the Dechen Dongala Memorial Eye Treatment Center in Phungling, run by the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh, Taplejung. Although the Dashain holidays had begun, senior eye officer Kajiman Gurung deemed it necessary to examine Limbu’s eyes immediately. During the examination, infection caused by the juice of white moths—locally known as shapu—was confirmed.
As further treatment was required, Limbu was referred to Mechi Eye Hospital. “Delayed treatment can lead to serious complications,” Gurung said, noting that he still saw risks to Limbu’s vision.
Delayed treatment of SHAPU infection increases risk of vision l...
The eye disease caused by white moths is locally known as shapu.
According to Gurung, Limbu is not the only patient affected by white moths. On average, four to five patients per day visit Dechen Dongala for eye problems caused by shapu, out of 60–70 daily eye check-ups. Medically, the disease is known as Seasonal Hyperacute Panophthalmitis. It is an eye infection that can lead to loss of vision if untreated.
Not all white moths are harmful. According to field eye worker Kajiman Thebe at Dechen Dongala, only moths with black bodies or yellow markings on their tails or wings produce harmful juice. The infection damages the inner part of the eye, causing rapid yellowing of all eye tissues and accumulation of pus inside the eye.
Gurung explained that if treatment is not given within 48–72 hours of symptom onset, the risk of permanent vision loss increases. Bright white lights attract the moths, increasing the risk in such areas.
Besides mid-hill and Himalayan districts, some Terai districts of Nepal have also reported shapu infections. Experts advise avoiding contact with white moths, not using bright white lights, keeping windows and doors closed at night, installing mesh on openings where possible, turning off lights or using dim lighting in sleeping areas, and using nets to prevent moths from entering sleeping spaces. Contact with shrubs where moths are present should also be avoided.
Gurung warned that catching moths or applying their juice to the eyes or forehead can significantly increase the risk of infection, and such practices should be strictly avoided.
