New Delhi: About 9,000 cases of mucormycosis or black fungus have been reported in Covid patients across the country. The disease is caused by a type of fungus found in soil and organic matter. The disease killed 212 people. This includes 90 in Maharashtra and 61 in Gujarat. It is more common in people with weakened immune systems, people with uncontrolled diabetes, and people who take high doses of steroids.
However, there is concern that the disease may now affect some adolescents with weakened immune systems. Black fungus is endemic in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Odisha, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Chandigarh. The inconsistent use of steroids in the treatment of Covid has led to an increase in cases of mucormycosis, a member of the Niti Ayog V. K. Paul said.
Experts say other causes behind the rise in black fungus cases in various parts of the country should be investigated. They also say they use of zinc in Covid treatment should be stopped. The presence of metals such as zinc and iron in the body provides a conducive environment for the fungi that cause black fungus, said Dr. Krishna Kumar, former president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA). Rajeev Jayadevan said.
