Black fungus spreads to 97 people in Karnataka

Bengaluru: Nearly 97 people in Karnataka are being treated for black fungus. Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar said that Mucormycosis has now become a recognised disease and the hospital staff is required to report it to the government. Hiding the cases would be illegal.

The Amphotericin injection is being given to the patients to treat the disease. A single patient requires 40-60 vials. The minister said, “The Centre has approved 1,050 vials out of which, 450 have been supplied to the state. We have also placed an order for 20,000 vials. So far, 97 people have been reported with this infection and they are being treated at Bowring Hospital on an experimental basis.”

Black fungus is a post-Covid disease that is complicated. People who have uncontrolled diabetes and who use high doses of steroid are vulnerable to this disease. Also, those who undergo organ transplantation and those with immunocompromised conditions like HIV are likely to catch this disease. The minister added that such people should be extra careful.

Dr K Sudhakar said, “The fungus enters through the nasal cavity in persons with low immunity. Then it attacks the eyesight. One should get treatment immediately after it enters the nose.
It is learnt that the water used in humidifiers in hospitals is causing this. An expert panel has been set up to find out the exact cause of this disease. Measures will be taken after the expert committee submits the report.”

He said, “Black fungus treatment will soon be started at Mysuru Medical College, Shivamogga Medical College, JIMS, KIMS, Wenlock District Hospital and KMC Hospital in Udupi. This will facilitate people to get treatment in their own districts.” Sudhakar added that people should not use steroids without the prescription of doctors. The government is not providing steroids to people who are in home isolation.