Black Fungus Cases In Karnataka On The Rise

Karnataka Health Minister Dr. K Sudhakar said, 97 people in Karnataka have contracted mucormycosis (black fungus) due to post-Covid complications.

After a meeting with experts, Sudhakar addressed a press conference and said "Until yesterday, 97 people in the state had contracted black fungus disease." However, he urged the people not to panic as it does not spread like Coronavirus. "It did affect a few people in the state, which I accept...the number is compared to last year," the Minister said.

Sudhakar, a medical professional, said that the disease is caused by drinking tap water. He told the doctors and paramedics, "I appeal to the paramedical workers, use only sterile water extracted from the humidifier."
According to him, excessive steroid use by diabetic patients raised their blood sugar levels, resulting in black fungus. Diabetic patients would need to monitor their sugar levels after contracting Covid. He added that those who did not do so were infected with black fungus.

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Due to the incidence of black fungus cases among Covid patients, Sudhakar announced that the state would notify regional centers for care.
Mysuru Medical College, Shivamogga Institute of Medical College, Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences in Kalaburagi, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences in Hubballi, Kasturba Medical College, and Wenlock District Hospital in Mangaluru are among the institutions involved.

The state has also requested 25,000 doses of Amphotericin B, an antifungal drug, from the central government.