Two Black Fungus cases detected, one dead
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 01 2021:
For the first time in the state, two cases of Mucormycosis, popularly known as Black Fungus, have been detected and one of the patients has died.
According to a source, a 46-year- old man from Imphal West district was confirmed for Black Fungus on Tuesday and he died in the afternoon at Shija Hospitals.
His death is nonCovid, the source said.
However, it did not disclose whether the victim had contracted the virus earlier or not.
The second case is a 45-year-old man from Imphal West district and he is currently undergoing treatment at RIMS Hospital.
Speaking to The People's Chronicle, health services director Dr K Rajo reconfirmed that one of the two Black Fungus cases died at Shija while the second case is under treatment in critical condition at RIMS.
Considering the possibility of more such cases in the light of numerous cases reported in different states of the country, the health department had already submitted proposal to the state government for procuring the requisite medicine to fight the disease.
With the detection of two cases, procurement of medicine will be fast-tracked to ensure that the medicine arrives in Imphal within a couple of days, he said.
The director also informed that medicine to treatment of Black Fungus is easily available in the local market.
It is like the common fungal infection and it does not pose any danger to a healthy person.
However, it might prove fatal to those with diabetes, had kidney or organ transplant, long course of antibiotic or steroid or long stay in ICU or any person with chronic illness or who is on immunosuppressant drugs.
During the Covid crisis, every Covid-19 positive person needs to keep their surroundings including indoor areas, bathroom and toilet neat and clean.
Diabetic patients should control their condition, explained Dr Rajo and urged doctors to practice rational use of steroid and to use sterile water in the humidifier in oxygen therapy.
Though the infection might prove lethal in the later stage, it can be easily cured through early detection and early treatment, he said while urging the public not to panic.
Health department has also reminded all hospitals, health centres or clinics to report such cases and added that failure may attract actions under the current
Epidemic Act.