Black fungus cases surge across Gujarat, Maharashtra; experts detail symptoms & treatment

COVID- induced black fungus or cases of mucormycosis are on rise among COVID-19 survivors. Health officials in Gujarat and Maharashtra have alarmed this can le to causing blindness or or serious issues. At least eight COVID-19 survivors have succumbed to this fungal infection in Gujarat. 

Black Fungus has been seen as a post-coronavirus complication seen in COVID-19 survivors and has been on rise in Gujarat, even crossing 100-mark. State governments have also set up separate wards for treatment of Black Fungus. 

Cases of mucormycosis are serious but it is a rare fungal infection that can ditionally weaken COVID-19 patients. This is so because black fungus can be a fatal or furr cause of diseases t only for transplant recipients but people in ICUs or those who have long-term immudeficiency concerns.

What is Black Fungus?

Dr Tatyarao Lahane who hes Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) said to PTi that mucormycosis is a serious fungal infection that is found among people with a low level of immunity as well as among those suffering from chronic diabetes, or those who have gone through a kidney transplant among ors. 

Dr Lahane also said fungal disease is alrey kwn but cases are increasing because of COVID-19 related complications, wherein use of steroids elevates sugar level in blood while some medicines result in suppression of immunity of patients. 

"Though this fungus is present in environment, people with suppressed immunity as well as who have received steroids during COVID-19 treatment are more susceptible to it. COVID-19 patients with co-morbidities are also vulnerable and can catch infection early."

While talking to PTI, Niti Aayog Member (Health) V K Paul on Friday said mucormycosis is caused by a fungus named mucor, which is found on wet surfaces. He h also said when same COVID-19 patient is put on oxygen support, which has a humidifier containing water, chances of him or her getting fungal infection increase. 

"It is caused by a fungus named mucor, which is found on wet surfaces. It, to a large extent, is happening to people who have diabetes. It is very uncommon in those who are t diabetic. re is big outbreak and we are monitoring it," he h said.

"When a patient is on oxygen support, it should be ensured that water does t leak from humidifier (to prevent growth of fungus)," he said, while also calling for "a rational us" of steroids and medicines such as Tocilizumab to treat COVID-19 patients.

What are Symptoms & Treatment for Black Fungus?

general symptoms of mucormycosis include heache, fever, pain under eyes, nasal or sinus congestion, and partial loss of vision amongst ors. Speaking about treatment, Dr Lahane said, "patient generally needs a particular of injection to be given for 21 days. basic cost of this injection comes around Rs 9,000 per day. Treatment expenditure escalates with or facilities, medicines etc".

Whereas, Dr Ajay Swaroop, chairman of ENT department at hospital, said use of steroids in treatment of COVID-19 coupled with fact that many COVID-19 patients have diabetes could be one of reasons for this rise in number of black fungus cases again. He said infection is commonly seen in patients who have recovered from COVID-19 but have comorbidities such as diabetes, kidney or heart failure or cancer.

Dr Hetal Marfatia, professor and he of ENT at KEM hospital in Mumbai, said surge in mucormycosis cases has been seen during last two weeks. According to him, w some patients are contracting this infection while undergoing COVID-19 treatment at hospitals. He vised strict control over diet and regular exercise to stay fit. Unhealthy food habits may severely affect immune system due to which one could become vulnerable to such auto-immune diseases.

(With PTI inputs)