The deadly black fungus has found its way into Punjab, lending a darker hue to the picture of gloom in the already COVID-hit State.
Some cases of this rare but serious fungal infection — mucormycosis or as popularly known as ‘black fungus’ — has been reported from Punjab’s Mohali and Ludhiana districts.
Notably, this infection has been detected quite frequently among the COVID-19 patients, including those who have recovered, in some others states of the country. As per reports, it often manifests in the skin and also affects the lungs and even the brain, resulting in loss of organs — like eyes, or even death.
The cases of black fungus were found in Delhi in early December. After that, some cases were also reported in Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Bamglore (Karnataka), and Rajasthan also. The infection is dangerous because 54 percent of its patients have died.
“As of now we do not have any data or figures about the total cases of black fungus that has been reported from Punjab. There are a few. I have learnt that PGI is getting many cases but that were from many states, including Punjab, Haryana, and even Himachal,” Punjab Government’s health advisor Dr KK Talwar told The Pioneer.
Listing out the reasons for the fatal infection, Dr Talwar said that excessive use of steroids during treatment of COVID-19 patients is what causes this fungal infection, besides when contaminated water is used for hydrating oxygen.
“We have all along been instructing the hospitals and doctors regarding the use of steroids during the COVID patients’ treatment. But, some of the private hospitals give steroids to their patients, which may cause this infection…but as of now, there are not many cases of black fungus in the State,” said Dr Talwar.
Renowned surgeon Dr Arvinder Singh Soin maintained that the Black Fungus (mucormycosis infection) after COVID-19 can result in loss of vision, brain damage, and even death. “To prevent it, avoid steroid’s overuse; control diabetes; no unnecessary antibiotics; and hygienic oxygen — that is clean concentrators, clean water for humidifier, and certified source,” he said.
Alarmed, the state health authorities have decided to issue strict guidelines to all hospitals regarding use of steroids while treating the COVID patients, besides ensuring hygienic supply of oxygen by timely changing the water in humidifier among other things.
“The cases of black fungus were being reported from other states, and now it has reached Punjab also. As of now, I am aware of one case from Mohali and nearly a dozen from Ludhiana. The Health Department is well aware of this and is cautious. We will soon be purchasing the injections and medicines used for its treatment,” said a senior health official, who did not wish to be named.
It has been learnt that more than 10 patients, detected with black fungus, are undergoing treatment at Ludhiana’s Dayanand Medical College and Hospital. “A case of black fungus has been reported from Ludhiana, and the patient was referred to PGI-Chandigarh due to some complications,” said the official.
The new disease is being detected in patients recovering from the coronavirus. As per experts, if caution is not taken, it can happen to anyone. In fact, it is so dangerous that in some cases, the limbs of patients have to be amputated to save their lives.
“Patients have also died due to this, while doctors have to remove their eyes or other organs to save the lives of some patients. Black fungus is said to be extremely dangerous with such results so we need to be prepared for it also while continuing our fight with coronavirus,” added the official.
KNOW BLACK FUNGUS
Black fungal infection is caused when a patient inhales a group of moulds (mucormycosis) present in the air. The moulds then, spread into the lungs, cavities, and chest cavities, making the condition of a patient serious and complicated.
COVID-19 link: As per experts, the exact reason how mucormycosis is linked with COVID-19 is yet not disclosed, but some experts believe that it is being caused by high dependency on steroids used to treat inflammation or pre-existing disease such as diabetes. It happens MONG people who have diabetes, cancer or who have had an organ transplanted, who have been taking steroids for a long time, or who have a skin injury, it can also happen to a premature baby.
Signs: The health experts says that facial deformity, impair sensory and vital organs, can be the sign of black fungus.
Symptoms: Extreme headaches; vision impairment like swelling in an eye, poor or hazy vision or bloodshot eyes; Swelling on face with swelling and pain in eyes, cheeks and other parts of the face can be warning signs. It can also affect the skin giving rise to multiple necrosis or lesions like symptoms. The infection can travel up to the brain causing, symptoms like memory loss, altered mental state, delirium, or neurological impairment. The patients can also experience black patches around the nose and eyes, while it can also cause the loss of teeth.
Most Prone Category: It is more likely to occur in those people who are already suffering from some disease; or those taking medicines that reduce body’s immunity or reduce the strength to fight other diseases of the body. It can occur in any part of the body.
Where is it found? Although it is a rare infection, it can live anywhere in the environment, it is found in the ground and rotting organic matter, such as leaves, rotten wood, and compost manure.
How to avoid? Though there is not a fool proof way, but the experts have suggested staying away from the construction sites, not going to the dusty area, wearing full sleeves gloves while gardening or farming, wearing masks, avoiding going to places where there is water leakage, where drainage water is collected.
