News Analysis India

Tag: Mucormycosis

  • Govt allocated additional 19,420 vials of Amphotericin-B to states, UTs: Union Minister Gowda

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The government has allocated additional 19,420 vials of Amphotericin-B to various states, Union Territories (UTs) and Central Institutions on May 24, Union Minister Sadananda Gowda said on Tuesday.

    Amphotericin-B is used to treat Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, which damages nose, eyes, sinuses, and sometimes even the brain.

    “Additional 19,420 vials of #Amphotericin- B have been allocated to all States/UTs and Central Institutions,” Gowda, who is Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers, tweeted.

    In the latest allocation of 19,420 vials, Gujarat has received 4,640 vials, while Maharashtra has got 4,060 vials.

    Other noteworthy recipients were Andhra Pradesh (1,840 vials), followed by Madhya Pradesh (1,470), Rajasthan (1,430), Uttar Pradesh (1,260) and Karnataka (1,030).

    The government had earlier on May 21, allocated 23,680 vials of Amphotericin-B to various states and Union Territories.

    Mucormycosis is a very rare infection which is caused by exposure to mucor mould which is commonly found in soil, plants, manure, and decaying fruits and vegetables.

    It affects the sinuses, the brain and the lungs and can be life-threatening in diabetic or severely immuno-compromised individuals such as cancer patients or people with HIV/AIDS.

    The doctors in India are documenting an alarming number of cases of Mucormycosis among patients with COVID-19 and those who have recently recovered.

    They believe that Mucormycosis may be triggered by the use of steroids, a life-saving treatment for severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients.

  • Mucormycosis threat hovers over Rajasthan as more than 30 patients under treatment at Kota hospital for black fungus

    By PTI
    KOTA: Over 30 patients suffering from mucormycosis are under treatment at a government hospital here, a doctor said.

    Most of the people are Covid survivors, said Rajkumar Jain, who is treating the affected in the MBS Hospital with his team, adding that he did not notice any non-Covid black fungus patient so far.

    At least 30 patients suffering from the fungal infection are under treatment in the ward in the MBS Hospital and five-six of them are in critical stage, Jain said on Sunday.

    Most of the patients are from Kota and neighbouring districts of Rajasthan, while two are from Madhya Pradesh, a ward official said.

    Meanwhile, a 45-year-old coronavirus survivor who was suffering from black fungus died while on the way to a hospital in Kota from Jhalawar, his family said.

    Ramswroop Suman had tested coronavirus positive on April 24 and was discharged from a hospital after recovery on May 3, according to his brother Badrilal Suman.

    He suffered a paralytic attack on May 6 and underwent treatment for over a week at the MBS Hospital, where he did not get the required injection and was released on May 15 for better treatment somewhere else, Badrilal Suman said.

    Ramswroop was then admitted to a hospital in Jaipur where doctors cited unavailability of medicine and suggested home rest, he added.

    Ramswroop complained of breathing problems and uneasiness on Sunday morning, following he was rushed by a private vehicle to the hospital in Kota.

    He passed away on the way in the afternoon, the kin said.

    He was in an advance stage of mucormycosis and the mortality rate of the disease is very high, Jain said.

    “It’s 100 per cent mortality after black fungus reaches the brain,” he said, adding that recovery was possible if diagnosed at earlier stage.

  • Mucormycosis patients to be treated free of cost under health schemes: Uddhav government to HC

    Citizens will receive free treatment for mucormycosis at pre-identified hospitals and nursing homes across Maharashtra under the above schemes, the state said.

  • Jammu and Kashmir declares ‘Black Fungus’ as epidemic disease

    Express News Service
    SRINAGAR: The Lt Governor administration in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday declared Black Fungus (Mucormycosis) as an epidemic after a 40-year-old person succumbed to this infection and another suspected case is reportedly under treatment at Srinagar hospital. 

    “Under Section 2 o the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897 (Act No 3 of 1897), the government of J&K notifies Mucormycosis as an epidemic,” reads a notification issued by the government.

    The notification has made it mandatory for all the private and government health institutions to report suspected and confirmed cases to the Health Department through District Level Chief Medical Officers and Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP).

    “No person or institution or organization will spread information or material for management Mucormycosis without prior permission from Director Health Services Jammu/Kashmir,” reads the notification.

    It further stated that no person, institution or organization would use any print/electronic or any other form of media for Mucormycosis without prior permission from Director Health Services Jammu/Kashmir.

    The notification warned that any person, institution or organization disobeying the regulations or order issued under these Regulations shall be deemed to have committed an offence punishable under Section 188 of Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).

  • Black fungus declared an epidemic in Uttarakhand

    By ANI
    DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand has joined several states across the country that have declared black fungus an epidemic.

    According to the Uttarakhand health department, a large number of patients infected with black fungus are coming to the state, due to which the state government has been declared black fungus an epidemic.

    A total of 65 patients have been detected with black fungus in Uttarakhand. Of which, 61 are admitted to AIIMS Rishikesh, the Uttarakhand Health Department said.

    Mucormycosis or black fungus is a complication caused by fungal infection. People catch mucormycosis by coming in contact with the fungal spores in the environment. It can also develop on the skin after the fungus enters the skin through a cut, scrape, burn, or other type of skin trauma, as per the Union Health Ministry.

    The disease is being detected among patients who are recovering or have recovered from COVID-19. Moreover, anyone who is diabetic and whose immune system is not functioning well needs to be on the guard against this.

    Looking at the rising cases of Mucormycosis or ‘black fungus’, the Union Health Ministry on Saturday said the availability of Amphotericin-B, the key drug to treat the deadly disease is now being increased and the ministry is in touch with five additional manufacturers.

    The ministry further stated that the treatment of COVID-19 patients involves the intake of drugs like dexamethasone, which suppresses our immune system response. Due to these factors, COVID-19 patients face a renewed risk of failing the battle against attacks mounted by organisms such as mucormycetes.

    States like Rajasthan, Bihar, 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.

  • Gujarat sees 54 COVID deaths; 15-year-old boy becomes Ahmedabad’s first case of pediatric Mucormycosis

    By PTI
    AHMEDABAD: Gujarat on Saturday reported 8,445 recoveries against 4,205 new coronavirus positive cases while 54 patients died, the lowest daily fatalities since April 11 this year, the state health department said.

    With the new additions, Gujarat’s tally of cases rose to 7,84,676 and the death toll to 9,523, it said, adding the overall count of recoveries in the state now stands at 6,95,026.

    Gujarat is now left with 80,127 active cases whereas the state’s recovery rate has improved to 88.57 per cent, the department said.

    At 711, Ahmedabad reported the highest number of new cases in the state in the day, followed by 545 cases in Vadodara, 450 in Surat, 331 in Rajkot, 189 in Jamnagar, 131 in Junagadh, and 118 in Bhavnagar among others.

    At 10, Surat reported the maximum number of COVID-19 deaths in the state during the day, followed by seven in Ahmedabad, six in Vadodara, five in Rajkot and four in Jamnagar, the department said.

    Gujarat so far administered 1,52,15,612 doses of COVID-19 vaccines with 38,88,879 beneficiaries getting the second dose.

    On Saturday alone, 1,47,860 doses were administered, it said.

    Gujarat’s COVID-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases 7,84,676, new cases 4,205, death toll 9,523, discharged 6,95,026, active cases 80,127, people tested so far – figures not released.

    Meanwhile, a 15-year-old-boy in Ahmedabad has been detected with Mucormycosis or black fungus a week after he recovered from COVID-19, a doctor treating him said on Saturday.

    City-based pediatrician Dr Abhishek Bansal said, to the best of his knowledge, this may be the first case of pediatric Mucormycosis in Ahmedabad.

    “He was admitted in a private hospital here on April 14 with coronavirus symptoms, and was later in the ICU for 10 days after the infection was confirmed. He was given supplemental oxygen, Remdesivir as well as steroids and discharged on April 24. A week later, he developed new symptoms like toothache and a small ulcer in palate, which finally turned out to be Mucormycosis,” he said.

    “He had to undergo surgery in which his half right-sided palate and upper teeth on the right side were removed and his sinuses cleaned, His condition is stable and he should be discharged in the next three to four days. To the best of my knowledge, this is the first case of pediatric Mucormycosis in Ahmedabad,” Bansal said.

    As per the Centre, Gujarat has 2,281 Mucormycosis patients, which is the highest for any state in the country.

  • Rajasthan government starts tracking existing, potential black fungus patients

    By PTI
    JAIPUR: Rajasthan is the first state which has declared the black fungus infection as a notifiable disease, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said on Saturday as the government ordered immediate tracking of its existing and potential patients.

    The Rajasthan had declared the black fungus infection or mucormycosis, largely reported among the cured Covid patients allegedly due to the overuse of asteroids during their treatment, a notified disease May 19.

    A total of 20 government and private hospitals across the state have been authorised for the treatment of black fungus.

    “I am happy that Rajasthan has become the first state in India to declare black fungus as a notifiable disease (under the Rajasthan Pandemic Act of 2020) and has made provision for its treatment,” he tweeted.

    Gehlot also supported Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding from him to ensure the supply of essential medicines for the treatment of the black fungus infection and cost-free care to those affected.

    In her letter to the prime minister, she also pointed out that the treatment of mucormycosis is not covered under Ayushman Bharat and most other health insurance plans and sought immediate action on the issue.

    Gehlot said her suggestion for ensuring a sufficient supply of essential drugs and cost-free treatment for black fungus is very important for common people who are already battling with the deadly second wave of COVID-19.

    Meanwhile, the state government on Saturday directed district level officers for identification and early detection of the patients with black fungus infection.

    Principal Secretary (Medical & Health) Akhil Arora issued an order directing officials to prepare reports of COVID-19 patients suffering from diabetes/cancer or have had an organ transplant and were given steroid during treatment.

    The reports will be prepared at the village and ward level within three days.

    He also directed officials to create awareness about the disease among people.

    As many as 115 coronavirus deaths and 6,103 positive cases were reported in Rajasthan on Saturday, pushing the overall figures to 7,590 fatalities and 9,09,521 infections.

    Among the fresh figures, the maximum number of deaths (21) and positive cases (1,900) were reported from Jaipur, according to an official report.

    Jodhpur recorded 11 deaths.

    A total of 7,79,601 patients have recovered from the infection so far, while the number of active cases is 1,22,330.

  • Mucormycosis: Second case of black fungus reported in Himachal

    By PTI
    SHIMLA: The second case of black fungus infection has been detected in Himachal Pradesh, officials said on Saturday.

    A native of Arki in Solan district has been diagnosed with the black fungus infection, also known as mucormycosis, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital’s Senior Medical Superintendent Dr Janak Raj said.

    The woman is currently being treated at the IGMC here, where she has been referred from Arki, he added.

    She has undergone surgery at the hospital and her condition is stable, Dr Janak Raj said.

    The second case of the black fungus infection was reported in the state a day after the state government issued a notification declaring mucormycosis an epidemic disease for one year and two days after its first case was detected.

    The first case of mucormycosis was detected in the hill state on Thursday.

    A native of Khagar in Hamirpur district was diagnosed to be suffering from mucormycosis.

    Dr Janak Raj, meanwhile, said there is no need to get scared of the black fungus infection.

    He said, “Mucormycosis is not a new disease and it is a non-contagious disease. Fifty-five more people died from coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh on Saturday as 2,341 fresh cases pushed the state’s infection tally to 1,77,725.”

    So far, the disease has claimed 2,693 lives in the state.

    According to the data updated by the Health Department till 7 pm, the state has 28,788 active cases of the disease.

    A total of 5,017 patients recovered from the disease on Saturday, pushing the count of recoveries so far to 1,46,219, a senior official said.”

  • Black fungus treatment: Centre allocates additional 23,680 vials of Amphotericin-B to states/UTs

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: With cases of mucormycosis or black fungus increasing, the government has allocated 23,680 additional vials of Amphotericin-B to various states and union territories (UTs), Union Minister Sadananda Gowda said on Saturday.

    The allocation has been made based on the total number of patients which is around 8,848 across the country, he noted. “After a detailed review of rising no.of cases of #Mucormycosis in various states, a total of 23,680 additional vials of #Amphotericin- B have been allocated to all States/UTs today,” Gowda, who is Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers, tweeted.

    After a detailed review of rising no. of cases of #Mucormycosis in various states, a total of 23680 additional vials of #Amphotericin- B have been allocated to all States/UTs today.The Allocation has been made based on total no. of patients which is approx. 8848 across country. pic.twitter.com/JPsdEHuz0W
    — Sadananda Gowda (@DVSadanandGowda) May 22, 2021

    He noted that states like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and telangana have been allotted 75 per cent of the additional vials. Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, damages the nose, eyes, sinuses, and sometimes even the brain.

    ALSO READ| Over 5 lakh vials of black fungus drug amphotericinB to be imported in May-June: Centre

    It is a very rare infection which is caused by exposure to mucor mould which is commonly found in soil, plants, manure, and decaying fruits and vegetables. It affects the sinuses, the brain and the lungs and can be life-threatening in diabetic or severely immuno-compromised individuals such as cancer patients or people with HIV/AIDS.

    The doctors in India are documenting an alarming number of cases of mucormycosis among patients with COVID-19 and those who have recently recovered. They believe that mucormycosis may be triggered by the use of steroids, a life-saving treatment for severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients.

  • Assure supply of medicines for black fungus: Sonia Gandhi to PM

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the assured supply of essential medicines for the treatment of mucormycosis (black fungus) and cost-free care to those affected.

    In a letter to the prime minister, she also pointed out that the illness is not covered under Ayushman Bharat and most other health insurance plans and sought immediate action on the issue.

    Gandhi said the government had asked states to declare mucormycosis an epidemic under the Epidemic Diseases Act.

    This would mean that there must be adequate production and assured supply of essential medicines to treat it, and cost-free patient care for those in need of treatment, she added.

    “I understand that Liposomal Amphotericin-B is absolutely essential for the treatment of Mucormycosis. However, there are reports of its acute scarcity in the market,” the Congress chief wrote in the letter.

    “Further, the illness is not covered in Ayushman Bharat and most other health insurance products.

    I would request you to kindly take immediate action on this matter to bring relief to the large number of patients being afficted by Mucormycosis,” she told the prime minister.

    The Congress chief’s request comes at a time the country is seeing a large number of cases of black fungus and even some deaths.