Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) has reported mucormycosis, a rare and serious fungal infection, triggered by coronavirus (COVID-19), in some patients.
Mucormycosis (
black fungus), which is primarily affecting people recovering from
Covid, has been declared an epidemic in Rajasthan, officials said on Wednesday.
Currently, the state has around 100 black fungus patients and a separate ward has been made at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur for their treatment.
Mucormycosis has been notified as an epidemic and a notifiable disease in the state under the Rajasthan Epidemic Act 2020, according to a notification issued by state's Principal Health Secretary
Akhil Arora.
He said the step was taken to ensure integrated and coordinated treatment of black fungus and the coronavirus.
According to experts, people with diabetes are more prone to getting the black fungus infection.
Comment: Yahoo! News earlier
reported:
"We are seeing a rise again in this dangerous fungal infection triggered by Covid-19. In the last two days, we have admitted six cases of mucormycosis. Last year, this deadly infection caused a high mortality with many patients suffering from loss of eye sight, removal of nose and jaw bone," Dr Manish Munjal, a senior ENT surgeon at SGRH, was quoted by News18 as saying.
Mucormycosis is a fungal infection with a mortality rate of whopping 50 percent. Previously called zygomycosis, the black fungal infection is caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes. These molds live throughout the environment. The infection usually starts from the nose and spreads to eyes. If not treated on time, it can cause death.
'COVID-19 Patients Vulnerable to Mucormycosis'
COVID-19 patients with weak immunity are more prone to mucormycosis, said Dr Ajay Swaroop, who heads the Department of ENT at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. "Use of steroids in treatment of coronavirus infection and the fact that many COVID-19 patients have diabetes as co-morbidity could be one of the reasons for this rise in black fungus cases again. COVID-19 infected patients with weak immunity are more prone to this deadly infection," he said.
Preventive Steps:
It is vital to maintain good hygiene. One should avoid touching eyes and nose often. If you notice swelling around your nose, eyes or throat, you must visit a doctor for a checkup. Early detection of mucormycosis plays key role in treatment of the disease.
Damp&warm athmosphere under the mask, in a tropical climate, no less. Perfect circumstance for all kinds of mold and bacteria.