ICMR Issues Advisory for Fatal ‘Black Fungus’ Infection, Lists Do’s and Don’ts

In view of rising cases of mucormycosis or 'black fungus' infection among COVID-19 patients, the Union Ministry of Health and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has released an evidence-based advisory for screening, diagnosis and management of the disease.

At the same time, the center also stated that the fungal infection being found in Covid-19 patients with uncontrolled diabetes and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay, may turn fatal if not cared for.

What is Black fungus infection?

At the same time, Black fungus infection or Mucormycosis is affecting COVID-19 patients with uncontrolled diabetes and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Meanwhile, according to ICMR, the infection mainly affects people who are on medication that reduces their ability to fight environmental pathogens.

Symptoms of Black Fungus:

• Pain and redness around eyes and/or nose
• Fever
• Headache
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Bloody vomits
• Altered mental status

Do's

• – Control hyperglycemia
• – Monitor blood glucose level post-COVID-19 discharge and also in diabetics
• – Use steroid judiciously – correct timing, correct dose and duration
• – Use clean, sterile water for humidifiers during oxygen therapy
• -Always use antibiotics/antifungals judiciously

DON'TS

• – Do not miss warning signs and symptoms
• – Don't consider all the cases with the blocked nose as cases of bacterial sinusitis, particularly in the context of immunosuppression and/or COVID-19 patients on immunomodulators
• – Do not hesitate to seek aggressive investigations, as appropriate (KOH staining & microscopy, culture, MALDI-TOF), for detecting fungal etiology
• – Do not lose crucial time to initiate treatment for mucormycosis

Measures for prevention:

• Use masks if you are visiting dusty construction sites
• Wear shoes, long trousers, long sleeve shirts and gloves while handling soil (gardening), moss or manure
• Maintain personal hygiene, including thorough scrub bath.

Also Read: Delhi: Lookout notice against businessman Navneet Kalra in oxygen concentrators black marketing case

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