Mucormycosis or, “black fungus”, is being detected relatively frequently among Covid-19 patients in various states. The disease often manifests in the skin and also affects the lungs and the brain.
The rising trend of the infection has compelled the Government to ask the states to make it notifiable under Epidemic Diseases Act 1897and making it mandatory for states to report both suspected and confirmed cases to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
Context
Mucormycosis or, “black fungus”, is being detected relatively frequently among Covid-19 patients in various states. The disease often manifests in the skin and also affects the lungs and the brain.
The rising trend of the infection has compelled the Government to ask the states to make it notifiable under Epidemic Diseases Act 1897and making it mandatory for states to report both suspected and confirmed cases to the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
Background
Analysis
Many hospitals in the countries are now reporting a significant increase in cases of ‘Covid-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM)due to severe diabetesand the indiscriminate use of steroids in the treatment for Covid-19 as it suppresses the immune system.This is why steroids should not be used unless absolutely necessary.
The rare, non-contagious diseasecan be debilitating or fatal if not treated quickly. If its progression is not checked early, 50-80% of patients could die.
Declaring Mucormycosis as a notifiable disease would help the governments to formulate a plan for elimination & control and providing the antifungal medicines in the hospital and retail markets. This is why, many states have already made CAM as the notifiable disease and others are following this.
There are a few simple steps we can follow to lower our risk of contracting mucormycosis such as to educate society about the disease; periodically sample the air in hospitals, especially in the critical care wards, to check for the presence of spores; to ensure that the humidifiers used during oxygen therapy are sterile; to advise recovering patients to remain indoors until they regain their natural strength and immunity; etc.
Verifying, please be patient.