Dikhyaa Mohanty 
A patient with a ‘Black Fungus’ infection has been reported in Odisha where the patient is in stable condition and adequate treatment is available for this fungus infection.
According to the official report, the 71-year-old patient is at home isolation as he has tested positive for the Covid-19 on April 20. PK Mohapatra, Additional Chief Secretary of Health informed that this case has not been reported from Covid hospital yet and in this case, the source of infection was probably water stored in a cooler.
He further added that the growth of this fungus is on damp surfaces. This has not contracted from hospitals. Black fungus of Mucormycosis is a fungal disease caused by a group of filamentous fungi called Mucorales (black fungus).
As per a report by the treating ENT Specialist, Dr Radhamadhav Sahu, he stated that the nasal endoscopy of the patient showed black deposits on the turbinate. Mucorales are commonly found throughout the environment and in decaying organic matter, soil, compost, and animal excreta; particularly in a wet environment.
PK Mohapatra further added that the situation is being monitored and the treatment for Mucormycosis is available. Whoever has diabetes needs to control the sugar level always. He said that they are promoting the administration of steroids but people should not be given at the current situation of Covid-19. He informed that Steroids should not be taken unnecessarily and can be given after the sixth day / when there will be oxygen requirement, only under the prescription of a doctor
The case came a day after a leading private hospital in Delhi flagged the rising number of COVID-triggered Mucormycosis or black fungus cases.
Dr VK Paul, Head of the National Covid-19 taskforce has clarified this is not a big outbreak at present. Early detection, timely diagnosis, and treatment are most important. The drugs required for the treatment of this disease like amphotericin B or posaconazole are readily available.
Similarly, Tocilizumab and Itolizumab should only be decided when required as it can be dangerous. Finally, the public should be assured that the facilities for diagnosis and treatment are readily available in the State.
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