A recent dinner at my home took an unexpected turn when a moth fluttered in, disrupting the peaceful atmosphere. As I shared the peculiar fact that certain moths have been known to suck tears from sleeping birds, my partner was less than thrilled. This revelation took a darker twist as I recounted the alarming situation in Nepal, where a specific moth has been linked to a rare eye infection affecting children, known as seasonal hyperacute panuveitis (SHAPU).

In Nepal, the arrival of September signals the end of the monsoon and the beginning of a troubling time for eye doctors. SHAPU, first identified in 1975, presents with a painless reddening of the eye and rapid vision loss, particularly in children. This condition requires immediate medical attention to prevent permanent blindness, yet its origins remain a mystery. Despite various treatments being tested, such as antibiotics and steroids, success has been inconsistent.

Until a significant outbreak in 2021, which saw over 1500 cases, SHAPU was largely unrecognized. Researchers believe the illness is linked to two primary mechanisms: infectious agents and immune responses. Pathogens, including certain bacteria and viruses, have been found in the ocular fluids of affected individuals, hinting at an infectious cause. Meanwhile, anecdotal evidence suggests a correlation between SHAPU and encounters with a specific 'white moth,' particularly from the Gazalina genus.

A survey in 2020 revealed that those affected by SHAPU were significantly more likely to have come into contact with these moths. Researchers, led by entomologist Daya Ram Bhusal, are now investigating the relationship between moth presence and SHAPU outbreaks in western Nepal. They aim to confirm the species involved and understand whether moth toxins contribute to the inflammation seen in SHAPU patients.

After years of limited resources, Nepalese scientists are gaining access to better research tools, yet new challenges arise. Cases of SHAPU have emerged in previously unreported areas, and patients sometimes fail to mention contact with moths, complicating the search for answers.

Climate change complicates matters further. As a developing country with a fragile ecosystem, Nepal is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, which exacerbate health issues. The country faces a dual burden from communicable and non-communicable diseases, with climate change influencing the spread of infections like SHAPU. Natural disasters, such as floods and landslides, are becoming more frequent, further straining public health resources.

NCDs, which account for two-thirds of deaths in Nepal, are projected to rise, driven by demographic changes and unhealthy lifestyles. The interplay between climate change and these health issues presents a daunting challenge for the nation.

Additionally, the political landscape complicates matters. Nepal’s susceptibility to environmental hazards like floods and landslides is exacerbated by inadequate disaster management strategies. The country has faced over 26,000 natural disasters in recent decades, highlighting the urgent need for improved preparedness.

Amidst this backdrop, global discussions on climate change often overlook the realities faced by nations like Nepal. Prominent figures in climate policy may dismiss the need for urgent action, prioritizing economic growth over environmental health. This disconnect raises questions about the sincerity of commitments made by fossil fuel interests.

While some companies claim to pursue decarbonization, their actions often contradict their statements, underscoring the challenges of meaningful climate action. The ongoing influence of fossil fuel interests in political decisions only serves to distract from the pressing need to address climate change.

To combat the crisis, we must amplify the voices of those who truly understand the stakes involved—scientists and activists advocating for immediate action. It is time to shift away from superficial discussions and focus on the scientific evidence that outlines the severe impacts of climate change.

Ultimately, it is not the moths that blind us to the truth, but the powerful interests that obscure our vision. It is crucial to remain vigilant and proactive, as every small effort to reduce carbon emissions can contribute to a more sustainable future.

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