The WHO is yet to reach a consensus on the vaccine passport issue for allowing international travel to those fully vaccinated against the coronavirus infection, the government said on Saturday and noted that discussions are still on.
BBC News
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image captionThe rare infection is believed to be triggered by the use of steroids in severe Covid patients.
India s states should declare an epidemic following a rise in deadly black fungus cases, the country s health authorities has said.
The normally rare infection, called mucormycosis, has a mortality rate of 50%, with some only saved by removing an eye or jaw bone.
But in recent months, India saw thousands of cases affecting recovered and recovering Covid-19 patients.
Doctors suspect there may be a link with the steroids used to treat Covid.
Diabetics are at particular risk, with doctors telling the BBC it seems to strike 12 to 15 days after recovery from Covid.
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The government has asked all states and union territories to notify mucormycosis or black fungus under the Epidemic Diseases Act. In a letter, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said it would be mandatory for all health facilities to report all suspected and confirmed cases of the fungal infection. In recent times a new challenge in the form of a fungal infection namely Mucormycosis has emerged and is reported from many states amongst Covid-19 patients especially those on steroid therapy and deranged sugar control. This fungal infection is leading to prolonged morbidity and mortality amongst Covid-19 patients, Agarwal said in his letter.Â