Rare 'Black' Fungal Disease That Causes Blindness, Death Hits Gujarat: 44 Hospitalised, 9 Dead
After being reported in Delhi and Mumbai, the killer disease has now hit Ahmedabad with 44 people already being hospitalised for the illness.?
The condition called Mucormycosis, is a rare yet deadly fungal disease that has been affecting an increasing number of people across the country. It has so far killed 9 people in Ahmedabad. The new disease has come at a time when the country is still battling the Covid-19 pandemic.
What does mucormycosis do?
The infection usually starts from the nose and spreads to eyes. While a quick diagnosis and treatment can cure the patient, left untreated, it can prove fatal.
As the infection spreads, it paralyses muscles around the pupils of the eye, leading to blindness. If the fungal infection spreads to the brain, the patient can get meningitis.
Who is at risk?
Mucormycosis mainly affects people who have health problems or take medicines that lower the body's ability to fight germs and sickness. This puts people recovering from COVID-19 or post-COVID issues at high risk.?
People with diabetes and health problems are also at high risk. In Ahmedabad, the majority of patients who have come to the civil hospital with mucormycosis had diabetes and were recovering from COVID-19. If you have swelling or pain in your nose and/or blurred eyesight, you should go to the doctor immediately.
How many cases so far?
Sir Gangaram Hospital in Delhi two days ago had reported 12 cases, out of which?five have died and three others are critical. It is reported that it has?50 per cent mortality in?cases where it affects the brain?¡ª within 15 days of it attacking the patient.?
Many cases were also reported in Mumbai. Ahmedabad Civil Hospital has reported 44 cases of hospitalisation, including nine deaths, because of this disease.?
What you can do to prevent it?
All need to maintain good hygiene. Also need to wear your mask at all public places and wash your hands regularly. Avoid touching your eyes and nose quite often. In case you notice any notice any swelling in your nose, eyes or throat, go to the doctor for a checkup. Early detection of mucormycosis is crucial to treatment of the disease.
