The Indian government on Thursday asked all states to declare dangerous fungal infection mucormycosis as an epidemic amid growing reports of the illne

As infections among Covid-19 patients rise, India declares a 'Black Fungus' epidemic.

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2021-05-20 13:42:32

The Indian government on Thursday asked all states to declare dangerous fungal infection mucormycosis as an epidemic amid growing reports of the illness—also known as ‘black fungus’—affecting hospitalized Covid-19 patients, leading to prolonged morbidity and death.

A woman stands outside as a patient infected with black fungus is treated at the Mucormycosis ward ... [+] of a government hospital in Hyderabad, India.

Mucormycosis infections happen when a person comes in contact with fungal spores in the environment and Covid-19 patients on immunosuppressants like steroids are likely to be more vulnerable to such an infection.

No official national count of mucormycosis infections are available at the moment, however, all confirmed and suspected cases will now have to be reported to the national health ministry

In a letter addressing all states and union territories, the health ministry said all government-run and private healthcare facilities in the country must adhere to guidelines for screening, managing and diagnosing the fungal infection issued by it and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

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