Black Fungus Infection Declared As Epidemic In Rajasthan

Black fungus infection has been declared as an epidemic in Rajasthan and the infection is primarily affecting the people who have recovered from Covid-19.

According to reports, currently, as many as 100 patients have been found being infected with black fungus in Rajasthan and a separate ward has been made at Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur for treatment of the same.

As per the state’s Principal Health Secretary, Black Fungus or  Mucormycosis is a notifiable disease under the Rajasthan Epidemic Act 2020. Necessary steps have been ensured for the treatment of black fungus along with the coronavirus.

Around 40 patients with black fungus have been admitted to Sir Gangaram Hospital while 16 others on the waiting list for beds.

According to the latest report, people with diabetes are more prone to getting black fungus infection. Till now, cases of black fungus have been reported in various parts of the country which includes Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Bihar.

As per the Union Health Ministry, people catch Mucormycosis by coming in contact with the fungal spores in the environment. It can also develop on the skin after the fungus enters the skin through a cut, scrape, burn, or other types of skin trauma.

Mucormycosis is an uncommon, opportunistic invasive fungal infection that occurs in immune-suppressed patients. Uncontrolled diabetes is the most common risk factor for acquiring this infection. These fungal spores are present in the air, soil and decomposed debris and gain entry into sinuses and lungs by breathing contaminated air. Covid-19 patients with uncontrolled diabetes, undergoing treatment with steroids, are at heightened risk of the infection.

Mucormycosis is not contagious, hence one cannot get it from another infected person. Self-care measures are the best way to prevent this type of infection. It is important to stay safe while being outdoors and wearing a mask as well as covering the wounds with a bandage might help prevent fungal infections.

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