Black Fungus cases rising in Gujarat, govt sets up separate wards - India Today

Taking note of the rising number of cases of mucormycosis, a fungal infection commonly known as 'Black Fungus', the Gujarat government has ordered 5,000 Amphotericin-B injections worth Rs 3.12 crore for treating the patients.

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According to the US Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), mucormycosis or black fungus is a rare fungal infection.

In the neighbouring state of Maharashtra, at least eight Covid-19 survivors have died due to mucormycosis during treatment, news agency PTI reported quoting a senior official, adding that around 200 patients are currently being treated in the state.

"Eight out of 200 such patients treated so far in various parts of the state have died due to mucormycosis, also known as a black fungus.

They survived Covid-19 infection but the fungal infection attacked their weak immune system which proved fatal," Dr Lahane said.

He had also said when the same Covid-19 patient is put on oxygen support, which has a humidifier containing water, the chances of him or her getting the fungal infection increase.

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