HEALTH
Black Fungus – An Epidemic Amidst The Pandemic Higher rates of black fungus cases in India are due to a combination of factors. For instance, more than 30 million people in India have a diabetes diagnosis. Despite this, the number of cases of black fungus before the COVID-19 pandemic was relatively low, although prevalence was rising. By Subhash Yadav
W
hen epidemics hit the health system of a developing country amidst pandemic, then its an extraordinary situation and health governance require extraordinary solutions. India has been facing high rates of COVID-19, with more than 27 million confirmed cases since January 2020. Also, the World Health Organization recently announced that the B.1.617 variant of the virus in India is a “variant of global concern.”
The virus is a challenge of its own kind.Some scientists believe that severe COVID-19 could potentially weaken the body’s immune response. This could lead to increased vulnerability to other infections, especially for people who are immunocompromised. Of particular concern is an infection called mucormycosis, commonly referred to as ‘black fungus.’ In India, hundreds of people who recovered from COVID-19 died from the black fungus, and there are calls by India’s health authorities to declare black
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fungus an epidemic. Dr Rakesh Nagar says, “Black Fungus is a rare type of fungal infection that occurs through exposure to fungi called mucormycetes. These fungi commonly occur in the environment, particularly in leaves, soil, compost, and animal dung. This can enter the body through breathing, inhaling, and exposed wounds in the skin.” Doctors hold that the symptoms of black fungus are akin to that of the coronavirus itself – mainly respiratory-related.This includes cough, fever, headache, chest
