Infection of black fungus with a 49-year-old man and other 46-year-old, both from Imphal West, were reported at RIMS and Shija hospitals respectively, said the Health Department
TFM DESK
Manipur on Tuesday reported two cases of mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, following COVID-19 illness. Infection of black fungus with a 49-year-old man and another 46-year-old, both from Imphal West, were reported at RIMS and Shija hospitals respectively, said the Health Department.
Though the condition of the patients could be ascertained, these are the first cases of Mucormycosis being reported in Manipur.
Meanwhile the health department reminded all hospitals, health centres or clinics to report such cases, failing which may attract actions under the current epidemic act.
The Manipur Government had on May 24 declared fungal infection Mucormycosis, also known as Black fungus, as notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897.
As per a notification issued by the Directorate of Health Services, Government of Manipur, all government and private health facilities were instructed to follow guidelines for screening, diagnosis and management of Mucormycosis issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India and Indian Council of Medical Research.
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, US, Mucormycosis (previously called zygomycosis) is a serious but rare fungal infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes. These molds live throughout the environment. Mucormycosis mainly affects people who have health problems or take medicines that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness. It most commonly affects the sinuses or the lungs after inhaling fungal spores from the air. It can also occur on the skin after a cut, burn, or other type of skin injury.
In recent months, India saw thousands of cases affecting recovered and recovering COVID-19 patients. As per a BBC report, doctors say there is a link with the steroids used to treat COVID. Diabetics are at particular risk. Doctors had told the BBC it seems to strike 12 to 18 days after recovery from COVID-19.