In light of the rising number of cases of mucormycosis, a fungal infection commonly known as “black fungus,” the Gujarat government has ordered 5,000 amphotericin-B injections worth Rs.3.12 billion to treat patients.
The number of mucormycosis patients in the state has now passed the 100 mark.
The government has also set up separate mucormycosis cases in all civil hospitals in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Bhavnagar and Jamnagar districts.
On Friday, India Today reported that at least eight people have lost their eyesight in Gujarat’s Surat district due to mucormycosis after recovery from Covid-19. In the past 14 days, Surat has reported at least 40 cases of mucormycosis.
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The infection caused by Covid-19 is treatable. However, if left untreated or treatment is delayed, the condition can lead to vision loss and, in some cases, increase death.
WHAT IS MUCORMYCOSIS?
According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mucormycosis, or black fungus, is a rare fungal infection. It is a serious infection caused by a group of molds or fungi called the mucormycetes. These molds live all over the environment.
Most commonly, the sinuses or lungs are affected after fungal spores are inhaled from the air. It can also appear on the skin after a cut, burn, or other type of skin injury.
8 DEATH IN MAHARASHTRA
In the neighboring state of Maharashtra, at least eight Covid-19 survivors have died of mucormycosis while being treated, the PTI news agency reported, citing a senior official, adding that around 200 patients are currently being treated in the state.
According to Dr. Tatyarao Lahane, director of medical education and research (DMER), cases of mucormycosis are on the rise.
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“Eight out of 200 such patients treated so far in different parts of the state died of mucormycosis, also known as black fungus. They survived Covid-19 infection, but the fungal infection attacked their weak immune system, which proved fatal. ” Lahane said.
Address to a press conference by the Union Ministry of Health on Friday, Niti Aayog Member (Health) Dr. VK Paul said Mucormycosis is caused by a fungus called mucor that is found on wet surfaces.
He had also said that putting the same Covid-19 patient on oxygen assistance with a humidifier containing water increases the likelihood that he or she will get the fungal infection.
(With PTI inputs)
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