The rare infection mucormycosis, also known as “black fungus” is being detected in more and more people who have undergone a coronavirus infection, warns Indian health authorities according to CNN.
The Covid fungus most often affects the sinuses and lungs, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
The disease is not contagious, but can be fatal to people with weakened immune systems. Something many have after a coronary infection.
So far, India has registered about 2000 people who have contracted the fungal infection and the number is increasing drastically from day to day.
– We get an average of 100 new cases every single day, says doctor Tatyarao Lahane who works in the Indian Ministry of Health to CNN.
Lethal covid fungus ravages: – A tsunami
Missing medicine
The cases are spread across several states in the country. Rajasthan has declared the fungus an epidemic and, together with the states of Haryana and Telangana, has reported the disease as “notifiable”. The latter two states report 115 and 150 cases of the fungal infection in the states, respectively.
The drug, which is now highly sought after in these states, is called amphotericin B. Due to the surprising number of cases, the states have had too little of this drug, writes CNN.
TREATED: A Covid-19 patient is being treated for the deadly covid fungus at the NSCB Hospital in Jabalpur. Photo: AFP
view more
– There are very few states where there are no patients with the disease and many states have applied for more access to the medicine, says India’s Minister of Health Rajesh Tope.
The state of Gujarat has applied for 100,000 new doses of the medicine and warns against a rapid increase in cases of the disease.
Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who is responsible for, among other things, chemicals in the Indian government, wrote on Twitter earlier this week that India is working to meet the need for medicine.
– We have already improved the supply of Amphotericin B, but at the moment we are facing a sudden increase in demand. Let me assure you that we are committed to moving heaven and earth to make medicine available to needy patients, writes Mandaviya.
– In tsunami
Mucormycosis can occur by inhalation of or contact with specific fungal spores found in the air and in the soil – especially in rotting organic matter. In addition to sinuses and lungs, the infection can also settle on the skin and in the brain.
To Times of India Several doctors say they believe mucormycosis may be triggered by the steroids used to treat seriously ill corona patients. A total of four steroids have been given the green light WHO.
Researchers: Laboratory theory remains possible
– We see a tsunami of mucormycosis, which threatens to take the lives of patients who have survived covid-19. The violent use of steroids during the pandemic must be slowed down, says ear-nose-throat specialist Navin Patel to warn.
Specialist in infectious diseases, Atul Patel, has studied a total of 270 patients with proven infection. He cites diabetes and steroid use as the highest risk factors.
–
