NASHIK: Mucormycrosis, a rare fungal disease known as black fungus that has now been particularly affecting Covid-19 patients during treatment or post recovery, has claimed the lives of three people from Malegaon town and surrounding villages since May 5.
“A total of six cases, including the three deaths, have been reported from the Malegaon General Hospital. Two Covid patients are being treated for the fungal disease while one has been discharged,” Ashok Thorat, civil surgeon, Nashik, told TOI on Thursday.
The civil surgeon has directed all the hospitals across Nashik district to report anyone found to be suffering from the disease. “Mucormycrosis can affect anyone, but it is predominantly found in Covid patients, especially those who have been given steroids.”
The disease, caused by mucormycetes that live in soil or decaying matter, affects the people who handle it. However, Covid patients have become more prone to it these days, he said.
“The occurrence has been found in Covid patients who are put on steroids or those with comorbidities. Early detection can help cure the fungal disease,” added Thorat.
Hitesh Mahale, assistant civil surgeon of Malegaon General Hospital, said that among those who died following the fungal disease were two men and a woman. “One of the men had no underlying conditions, but both had been put on steroids.” The woman victim was being treated for Covid in a private hospital but was moved to the general hospital as she needed ventilator support, he said.
Mahale said the patient who has recovered is a young woman. “She recovered from Covid but contracted the fungal disease soon afterwards. However, she was successfully treated and discharged.”
The official added that one of the two men who are being treated for mucormycrosis is a senior citizen.
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