As many as 21 confirmed cases of black fungus have been detected in Jharkhand so far of which eight persons have died, state health department formally announced on Tuesday.
At present 29 persons are classified as ‘black fungus suspects’ and are undergoing treatment in different hospitals, said officials adding that they comprise both existing and recovered Covid patients.
Mucormycosis is a rare infection caused by exposure to mucor mould found in soil, plants, manure and decaying fruits and vegetables. According to medical experts, this infection usually affects the lungs, the nasal tract and the sinus of the patient and has a fatality rate of 50 per cent, say doctors. Diabetes and people with immune compromised conditions are at a higher risk of infection.
Ranchi: The state health department on Monday named the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims) as the nodal centre for the treatment and management of the mucormycosis (black fungus) disease.
A letter in this regard was issued by additional chief secretary (health) Arun Kumar Singh, directing the authorities at the state-run hospital to constitute a technical expert group (TEG) so that Rims can function as a centre of excellence for effective management of the fungal disease.
“The fact that many recovered patients of Covid-19 stand the risk of contracting the disease and even losing their lives necessitates the setting up of the best healthcare system to tackle the disease. In order to provide the best treatment to such patients we have decided to start a dedicated ward for mucormycosis patients which will be managed by a team of expert doctors,” Singh said. He added, “As a heavy dose of medications is required for each and every black fungus patient on a daily basis
Jharkhand govt mulling to declare black fungus an epidemic ANI | Updated: May 23, 2021 11:15 IST
By Rizwan Arif
Ranchi (Jharkhand) [India], May 23 (ANI): Following the suit of several states, the Jharkhand government is too planning to declare Mucormycosis or black fungus as an epidemic in the state.
Looking at the severity of the disease, Jharkhand Health Minister Banna Gupta will propose to declare black fungus as an epidemic in the Cabinet meeting scheduled to be held on Monday.
The state government has already started taking precautionary measures including setting up the dedicated black fungus wards in every district. We are seriously concerned about black fungus and taking all necessary steps. We are setting up special black fungus wards in districts. We will be screening the patients who recently recovered from COVID-19 infections. We have also issued a letter to health officials instructing to make available the medicine essentia