Riyaz ul Khaliq
ANKARA
The deadly black fungus infection, or mucormycosis, which was first reported in India, has been detected in at least four other countries.
Many cases have been reported in South American countries, such as Chile and Uruguay, and Middle Eastern countries, such as Egypt and Iraq.
The Chilean Society of Infectiology said cases in Chile had been detected early in the pandemic but the frequency was increasing and serious cases were becoming more frequent.
Authorities in Uruguay also confirmed the case in a 50-year-old patient who recovered from Covid-19.
Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection that mainly affects people with weakened immune systems, causing vision loss, and some patients have to have their nose and jawbone removed.
According to the All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), diabetic patients are the most at high risk.
Apart from mucormycosis, India is currently battling the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the death toll reaching 340,000.
“However, this issue requires the greatest attention from the medical community at the national level with the support of the necessary resources to monitor cases, facilitate early diagnosis, and timely treatment of this serious complication,” added The Chilean Society of Infectiology.
In Iraq, health authorities reported the first five cases of mucormycosis, including its first death. The cases were reported in the southern province of Dhi Qar.
According to the Middle East Monitor, Egyptian authorities have also started treating patients with mucormycosis.
Ehab Kamel, an Egyptian Ministry of Health official, said some of the patients had “recovered”.
The Anadolu Agency website contains a summary of the news offered to customers through the AA News Broadcasting System (HAS). Please contact us to choose a subscription.
– .
