Black Fungus Detected in Surat, Delhi & Maharashtra
Cases of mucormycosis, commonly known as black fungus, have been reported from Gujarat, Maharashtra & Delhi among those who have recovered from Covid-19.
“Mucormycosis” is also known as Black Fungus. Recently there have been cases of this black fungus reported from Surat in Gujarat, Maharashtra & Delhi among those who have recovered from Covid-19.
In the past 15 days surat reported 40 cases of black fungus and eight of them have lost their eyesight. Niti Aayog member VK Paul said that people getting infected is natural and there is no relation between Black Fungus and Covid-19. The infection affects only those who have a high blood sugar level, and has no relation to the presence of Covid-19 infection in a person. Doctor V K Paul said, “Black fungus is a fungus that breeds on wet surfaces. It is very rare to happen to patients who do not have diabetes. There are reports of this fungal infection among Covid-19 patients, but Dr Paul said that there is no major outbreak and they are monitoring the cases closely.
Paul said adding that if one's diabetes is under control, there is no reason to worry. This fungus is absolutely preventable.
There are three factors that cause this fungal infection.
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Uncontrolled diabetes,
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Weak immune systems because of steroids or any other disease, and
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Exposure to a wet surface, where the fungus is present.
Dr Paul then explained why covid 19 patients are now getting infected with this fungus. He said that, for Covid-19 treatment, they are using life-saving steroids and medicines which weaken immunity. In addition, if a diabetic Covid-19 patient is on oxygen support, then he or she gets exposed to the humidifier of the oxygen concentrator.
This increases the chance of the fungal infection. Dr V. K. Paul gave five methods that doctors should follow to prevent the chance of this infection among covid19 patients.
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One must keep blood sugar under check, Covid or no Covid.
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In Covid-19 treatment, steroids should be used properly, as the doctor advises.
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If the Covid-19 patient is on oxygen support, the humidifier should have clean water.
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The overall cleanliness of the covid-19 patient should be maintained.
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If there is any new oral ulcer, it has to be treated immediately.
