A man from Iran named Amou Haji became renowned as the “world’s dirtiest man,” reportedly having not washed himself in over 60 years. Haji secluded himself in the Fars region of Iran and lived a life isolated from society. Reports say that he slept in a little structure and sometimes in holes in the ground.
His lifestyle was very bizarre. Allegedly, he ate animals found dead on the road, drank water from an old oil can, and smoked animal dung when he didn't have cigarettes.
Due to his belief that washing himself might lead to illness, Haji refused to use water or soap for many years. His appearance and way of life ultimately attracted worldwide attention, making him a person frequently featured in the news.
In 2014, local media reported that researchers examined Haji for different types of infections. Results showed that there were traces of a Trichinella infection, despite him not showing any obvious symptoms. Many articles published online claim that this proves that he had a very powerful immune system, but there is little evidence to support this conclusion.
In 2022, villagers managed to convince Haji to take a shower, which became his first bath in decades. Not long afterward, he died in October 2022, aged 94.
His death led to different theories in the media about a possible connection with his first bath, although no evidence supports this connection.
No matter the reality behind the legends, the fact that someone lived to 94 after what has most probably been an extreme way of life over the decades is still remarkable.
Reference:
The Guardian:“World’s dirtiest man” dies in Iran at 94
Photo credits: AFP / India Today
