More than 8,800 cases of the deadly “black fungus” have been reported in India. Normally, about 50 percent die from the disease and those who survive can usually only be saved by removing the eye. What worries doctors now is the fact that it is mostly convalescent Covid patients who are affected by the disease.
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Thousands of recovered and recovering Covid patients have already been infected with the black fungus – also known as mucormycosis – in India. The disease is caused by exposure to mucor fungus, which is often found in the soil, air, and even the nose and mucus of humans. It spreads through the airways and affects facial structures. Sometimes doctors have to surgically remove the eye to keep the infection from reaching the brain.
According to doctors, there could be a possible link to the steroids used to treat patients who have corona. Around day 12 and day 18 of the recovery, the disease would seem to strike mainly, doctors say BBC. In India it is feared that many people in rural areas have been given steroids against Covid and that more people will get the disease as a result.
Fifty percent of infections happen in the Western statesGujarat and Maharashtra, at least 15 other states have reported between eight and 900 cases. As the number continues to rise, the disease is now officially considered an epidemic. According to doctors, the newly opened wards to treat patients with the fungus across the country are almost full.
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– Those who survive can usually only be saved by removing the eye Photo: AP
“More than 80 percent of patients require immediate surgery,” said Dr. Pandey, head of the medical department at Maharaja Yeshwantrao hospital in Indore, India. “Eleven departments have been set up with a total of 200 beds. We did not expect this increase in the number of patients. We used to only see one or two cases a year. ” In Indore alone, at least 400 people are said to be ill.
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Diabetes
According to the doctor, the fungal infection is also more challenging than Covid-19, because if patients are not treated on time and properly, mortality rates can go up to 94 percent. According to Panday, the majority of patients who recover from Covid-19 are male. Most were treated with steroids, and all had underlying conditions, mainly diabetes.
One study conducted by four Indian doctors found that of the 100 cases, 79 were men. 83 people also had diabetes. Another study of two hospitals in Mumbai also confirms the news that people with diabetes are mainly affected.
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