WATCH: What is black fungus? How it spreads? How to prevent — Microbiologist shares dos and don’ts
Mucormycosis or black fungus is a fungal infection that mainly affects people who are on medication for other health problems, and have a reduced ability to fight environmental pathogens.
In an interview with Gaon Connection, Uma B.M, a microbiologist who works at the MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital in Bengaluru explained at length about what leads to black fungus (mucormycosis) and how it can be prevented.
“Whenever a person experiences symptoms like stuffiness in the nose, facial pain, headache, blurred vision, immediate medical attention should be prioritised because black fungus cannot be treated at home,” the microbiologist said in the interview.
The ‘Baat Pate Ki’ programme was anchored by Gaon Connection ‘s Deputy Managing Editor Nidhi Jamwal.
Interview: “Exponential rise in mucormycosis in India is alarming; not seen this anywhere in the world”
The microbiologist further informed that the spores of black fungus are present in the environment but they are only able to infect people with compromised immunity, those who have been on steroids or their sugar levels are high.
Explained: What is the third wave of COVID19? Will it hit India? Are kids at greater risk?
Meanwhile, today i.e. June 10, the Centre has asked the states to prioritise young patients while treating black fungus cases.
Nearly 29,000 cases of black fungus have been reported in the country so far, most of them being in post-Covid patients.