On Saturday, AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria said that cases of Mucormycosis, known as Black Fungus, have rapidly increased and are causing more fatality. Guleria said in a press briefing that 23 patients were treated for Mucormycosis fungal infection at AIIMS and out of them, 20 patients are still COVID-19 positive.

He further said that several states have reported over 500 cases of Mucormycosis. The fungal infection affects the face, nose, orbit of the eye, or brain, causing even vision loss. Also, it can spread to the lung. Mucormycosis spores are usually found in soil, air and sometimes in food. But are of low virulence and do not cause infection.

The AIIMS chief has warned that due to the misuse of steroids in the COVID-19 treatment was a main cause of the fungal infection. Chances of fungal infection increases in the diabetic patients, COVID positive and were on steroids. Stopping the misuse of steroids is important to prevent mucormycosis.

On Saturday, India reported the lowest daily cases in 18 days even though the figure remained above the 3-lakh mark. The daily death toll came below 4,000 after three days. Indias total number of cases stands at 2,43,72,907 with 3,26,098 daily new cases.

The Union health ministry has said that almost 10 states are contributing for 85 percent of the total coronavirus cases in the country. The ministry said that 11 states have more than one lakh active cases whereas 8 states have active cases between 50,000 - 1 lakh. Twenty-four states have a positivity rate of over 15 per cent.

Source: ET Healthworld