The black fungus infection has been declared as an ‘epidemic’ in Rajasthan.
The black fungus infection, scientifically known as Mucormycosis, is primarily affecting people recovering from COVID-19.
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The Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur is currently treating around 100 black fungus patients in a separate ward.
Black fungus has been notified as an epidemic and a notifiable disease in the state under the Rajasthan Epidemic Act 2020.
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According to experts, people with diabetes are more prone to getting the black fungus infection.
Rajasthan’s Principal Health Secretary Akhil Arora has stated that black fungus has been declared as an ‘epidemic’ to ensure integrated and coordinated treatment of the infection.
Importantly, the medicine – Amphotericin-B injection, used in the treatment of black fungus infection is currently in short supply.
“Anyone who is diabetic and whose immune system is not functioning well needs to be on the guard against this. The disease is caused by a set of micro-organisms known as mucormycetes, which are present naturally in the environment, seen mostly in soil and in decaying organic matter like leaves, compost and piles,” the Union Health Ministry said.
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Meanwhile, the first case of black fungus infection has also been detected in the Northeast.
Assam on Tuesday reported the first case of black fungus infection in the Northeast.
A 27-year-old COVID-19 patient, who has been admitted to a private hospital in Guwahati, has reportedly tested positive for the rare fungal infection.
The black fungus frequently infects sinuses, brain or lungs.