90% black fungus patients can be treated: Experts

Several doctors and medical experts emphasised on the need to create awareness on black fungus, a growing concern among Covid-19 recovered patients and diabetics. They were speaking at a webinar organised by the Telangana State Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Trade (TSFCCT) here on Sunday.

Speaking on the occasion, senior ENT specialist and surgeon Dr M Mohan Reddy expressed concern over the increasing rate of fungal infection in the city, saying that the situation was so bad that hospitals in the city were overflowing with mucormycosis cases.

“In Telangana, ENT Hospital at Koti is fully occupied with 150 patients and they are expanding the capacity by converting the vaccine centre into black fungus ward. If I have done 30 surgeries in the last 30 years, I have done the same number of mucormycosis surgeries in the last two to three weeks," he said.

Dispelling myths relating to the disease, Dr Reddy said even though it was a rare disease that was now spreading like wildfire, it did not mean it would affect every Covid patient. "The cases reported so far had a history of diabetes. However, it doesn’t mean that all diabetics will get it. At the same time, all those who are subjected to high doses of steroids do not get black fungus," he added. A timely intervention during early symptoms through medication and surgeries can save 90% of patients, Dr Reddy ensured.

President of TSFCCT Ammanabolu Prakash stressed the need to create awareness on the symptoms and treatment required before going by fake news and misinformation about the disease.

"The disease is spreading fast, and before fake news and misinformation through social media begin, right information from the right people should reach the public," said Prakash.

Dr Sai Kumar, another ENT specialist, who facilitated the conversation said there was only one drug that could save the patients and that the government should ensure a smooth supply of the lifesaving injection liposomal amphotericin B that was in short supply right now.

The common early signs of black fungus are onesided facial swelling, headache, nasal or sinus congestion, black lesions on nasal bridge or upper inside of the mouth that quickly become more severe, coupled with fever, the doctors explained.