Mucormycosis can spread through air, enter into lungs: AIIMS doctor on black fungus

  • Our body is capable to fight the black fungus infection if the immunity is strong, Dr Nikhil Tandon has said

Staff Writer
Published22 May 2021, 02:35 PM IST
The Covid-19-linked infection has claimed more than 7,000 lives in the country.
The Covid-19-linked infection has claimed more than 7,000 lives in the country.

In view of the rising number of cases of Mucormycosis or black fungus infections in various states, AIIMS Professor and Head of Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Dr Nikhil Tandon has said that mucor may enter into lungs but its chances are very low.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Dr Tandon said, "Mucor can spread through the air. It won't cause any problem if a person is healthy. Mucor may enter into lungs but the chances are very low."

The AIIMS doctor further emphasised that the body can fight black fungus depending upon its immunity. "Our body is capable to fight it if the immunity is strong," he added.

On Friday, AIIMS Director Dr Guleria pointed out that there has been an increasing trend of rise in fungal infection in the last few weeks being seen among those recovering from COVID-19 with several states reporting an increase in the cases of black fungus.

He said Mucormycosis was also reported to some extent during SARS outbreak in the year 2002. "Uncontrolled diabetes with COVID can also predispose to the development of Mucormycosis," Dr Guleria said.

8,848 affected by black fungus

The Covid-19-linked infection has claimed 8,848 lives in the country. Taking to Twitter, Union Minister Sadananda Gowda informed that the allocation has been made based on the total number of patients, which is approximately 8848 across the country.

According to a list of Mucormycosis cases reported across the country cited by the Minister, Gujarat has a maximum number of cases (2281), followed by Maharastra (2000) and Andhra Pradesh (910).

As per the Union Health Ministry, Mucormycosis is being detected among patients who are recovering or have recovered from COVID-19.

The fungal infection, which is caused by exposure to mucor mould that is commonly found in soil, plants, manure, and decaying fruits and vegetables, affects the brain, lungs, and sinuses and can be lethal to those suffering from diabetes and having compromised immune systems such as such as cancer patients or people with HIV/AIDS.

Cases of 'black fungus' infection are being reported in several parts of the country. States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Karnataka, Odisha, Telangana and Tamil Nadu have already declared it a 'notifiable' disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act, thereby making it mandatory to report every Mucormycosis case to the state government.

With agency inputs

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First Published:22 May 2021, 02:35 PM IST
Business NewsNewsIndiaMucormycosis can spread through air, enter into lungs: AIIMS doctor on black fungus

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