Trachoma is one of the oldest infectious diseases known to mankind. It is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis – a microorganism which spreads through contact with eye discharge from an infected person (on towels, handkerchiefs, fingers, etc.) and through eye-seeking flies.

After years of repeated infection, the inside of the eyelid can become so severely scarred that the eyelid turns inward and the eyelashes rub on the eyeball. If untreated, this condition leads to the formation of irreversible corneal opacities and blindness.

Tetanus, or lockjaw, is a bacterial infection that is characterized by painful muscle spasms, serious complications, and can lead to eventual death. Tetanus is not transmitted from person-to-person. A person usually becomes infected with tetanus when dirt enters a wound or cut.

Tetanus germs are likely to grow in deep puncture wounds caused by dirty nails, knives, tools, wood splinters, and animal bites. The disease is caused by a potent neurotoxin that is produced by the bacteria in the absence of oxygen.