After Meerut, first ‘black fungus’ case found in Prayagraj
Mucormycosis affects the sinuses, the brain and the lungs and can be life-threatening.
PRAYAGRAJ: : After Meerut, the first case of the potentially fatal and rare ‘black fungus’ infection has been detected in one Covid-19 patient being treated at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital (SRNH) here, said an official associated with the hospital on Wednesday.
Another suspected case (a woman) of the ‘black fungus’, has also been found at the hospital and tests are underway to confirm it, he said.
Black fungus or mucormycosis is caused by exposure to mucor mould which is ubiquitous. It affects the sinuses, the brain and the lungs and can be life-threatening.
A 50-year-old man admitted in Corona ward of SRNH, the only Level-3 Covid facility of the district, has been found to have infected with ‘black fungus’.
“We admitted a man, hailing from Prayagraj around five days back after he tested positive for Covid-19. Two days back, he was found to have developed Mucormycosis. We have isolated the patient and started anti-fungal treatment as per the set treatment protocol,” said Dr Sujeet Verma, the nodal officer of Corona ward at SRN Hospital.
“This is the first confirmed case of Mucormycosis found by us,” he added.
He said that another suspected case, a woman hailing from a neighbouring district, was admitted with Covid-19 on Wednesday in a serious condition and has also shown symptoms of Mucormycosis.
“We have isolated her too. Tests to confirm the case are now underway. We are keeping a special watch on serious Covid-19 patients at SRNH for “black fungus”, he said.
The fungal infection Mucormycosis is caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes, which grow in soil and decaying organic matter, such as rotting leaves and wood, say doctors.
“It is found in soil and air and even in the nose and mucus of healthy people. The mold can enter a body through cuts and abrasions in the skin, or the infection can take hold in the sinuses or lungs after people breathe in the fungal spores. Once inside the body, it can spread through the bloodstream and affect other organs, such as the brain, eyes, spleen and heart,” they explained.
Symptoms of mucormycosis include headache, fever, pain under the eyes, nasal or sinus congestion and partial loss of vision. Some people may even experience warning signs of coughing, shortness of breath, bloody vomits and altered mental status.
The Centre, in an advisory, has said mucormycosis is being found in Covid-19 patients with uncontrolled diabetes and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay.
The fungal infection may turn fatal if remain unattended, the advisory has warned, doctors shared.
Three patients with the black fungus were also reported from Meerut district in Uttar Pradesh. Out of three, one is from Muzaffarnagar and the other one is from Bijnor.