Risk factor for trachoma transmission: flies on boy's face

This Ethiopian boy's face is covered with flies, which are feeding on discharge from his eyes and mouth. Flies are thought to be one mode of transmission of Chlamydia trachomatis the infective agent which causes trachoma, an eye disease that can lead to blindness. C. trachomatis may also be transmitted from person to person via finger to eye contact, or by sharing cloths or towels.