Mucormycosis, an invasive fungal infection of the sinuses in Covid-recovered patients, has emerged as a prominent concern with India detecting several cases every day when the country is also seeing a shortage of the drug used to treat it. Now, India has detected the first case of black fungus in a 13-year-old. A 13-year-old child from Gujarat’s Ahmedabad, who had recovered from Covid-19, is said to have been diagnosed with black fungus.
“This boy had come to us earlier with symptoms of Covid-19, and after testing, he was found to be positive for the virus. He recovered after being treated according to protocol. However, shortly after being discharged, he complained of toothache and infection under the palate. It turned out to be mucormycosis,” paediatrician Dr Abhishek Bansal said.
“He was operated on for it, his right-side palate and teeth had to be removed, and he is now on medication,” says treating paediatrician Dr Abhishek Bansal.
Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, is a fungal infection that primarily affects people who are taking medication for other health problems that impair their ability to fight other infections. It can result in the loss of the upper jaw and, in rare cases, the eye. Fungal spores inhaled from the air affect the sinuses of such people.
The health professionals have warned of indiscriminate use of steroids in the treatment of Covid-19 as one of the possible causes for people getting this fungal infection.
“It could be a reason, but I don’t think this is the only possibility. The Covid-19 virus essentially destroys lymphocytes in the body, making the individual susceptible to pathogens. However, Covid is the main culprit,” said Dr Abhishek Bansal.
“The use of steroids for covid treatment was prudent in the case of the Ahmedabad boy and lasted only a few days,” Dr Bansal added.
“Earlier, we believed that children would be immune to Covid-19, but now we have to face that reality, as well as the possibility that they will develop mucormycosis. I would advise parents to take as many precautions as possible to stay safe and keep their children safe from contracting the Covid-19 virus,” said Dr Bansal.
He also advised parents to provide a well-balanced diet and physical activity for their children.
“Obesity and other such conditions do predispose children to complications, and these must be addressed,” said Dr Bansal.
Infection with Covid-triggered black fungus is on the rise in India. So far, over 7,000 people have been infected with the disease, and over 200 have died as a result of the fungal infection.
The state of Tamil Nadu reported the first suspected death from Black Fungus in the Thoothukkudi district. Several states, including Telangana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Haryana, have now declared Black fungus a disease under the Epidemic Act.
The government has also advised healthcare professionals to avoid using steroids excessively in Covid-19 treatment, which has been identified as one of the causes of black fungus.
Mucormycosis, or black fungus infection, has been seen most commonly in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, immunosuppression from steroids, prolonged ICU stay, and co-morbidities.
(IndiaToday)
