Fungus grows in cramped and humid spaces…early diagnosis critical in black fungus cases: LNJP doctor

KEY STORY

• Amid a rise in patients suffering from Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, across the country, there are certain things that one needs to keep in mind if they come across this illness.

• Dr Suresh Kumar, MD at Delhi’s LNJP Hospital, said that early diagnosis of black fungus cases is critical for its treatment.

• “White fungus (Aspergillosis) is not as dangerous as black fungus. The treatment for the latter can continue for 1-1.5 months, hence early diagnosis is critical. Don’t take steroids to treat Covid-19 without consulting your doctor,” Dr Kumar said.

• Stating that clean and hygienic environments are crucial in avoiding fungal infections, he said that “fungus grows in cramped and humid spaces”.

• “Fungus grows in cramped and humid spaces, and so ensure that your surroundings are cleaned regularly. Avoid consuming eatables refrigerated for days, eat fresh fruits, let sunlight in your house and wash your masks daily,” he added.

White fungus (Aspergillosis) is not as dangerous as black fungus. The treatment for the latter can continue for 1-1.5 months hence early diagnosis is critical. Don't take steroids to treat #COVID19 without consulting your doctor: Dr Suresh Kumar, MD LNJP Hospital, Delhi (21.05) pic.twitter.com/GUe5u7AdJ6

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2021

• The Union Health Ministry on Friday wrote to all states and Union Territories (UTs) advising them to review their preparedness for infection prevention and control, as well as hygiene and sanitation in hospitals.

• The government has instructed the states and UTs to implement the Infection Prevention Control (IPC) Programme in hospitals and health facilities as per the guidance given in National Guidelines for Infection and Control in Healthcare Facilities.

CONCLUSION

• Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain yesterday said that the AAP government will provide injections against black fungus to hospitals in the city as soon as the Centre clears it.

   

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an interaction with doctors and frontline workers of Varanasi on Friday, too warned against the “new challenge of black fungus”.

• “In our ongoing fight against Covid-19, a new challenge of black fungus has surfaced. We must focus on precaution and preparation to deal with it,” the Prime Minister said.