Treatment for Black fungus infection in Bowring hospital: Sudhakar

Team Udayavani, May 16, 2021, 5:11 PM IST

With the rise in Mucormycosis or Black Fungus cases in  Karnataka among Covid-19 patients, Health Minister K Sudhakar on Sunday said that arrangements for the treatment of Black fungus infection are being made in Bowing Hospital

Sudhakar said, ” Black fungus is a rare but serious fungal infection that is being detected relatively frequently among Covid-19 patients. The disease often manifests in the skin and also affects the lungs and the brain. It is being found in larger numbers among Covid-19 survivors with lesser immunity, uncontrolled diabetes. The infection causes swelling in the eyes and unusual pain in the face. Patients will be at risk of losing eyesight or if not treated properly they  may die”

He further said, ” The treatment for the infection will be soon given in various district hospitals. A  committee of four specialists, including ophthalmologists, is being formed. This committee will advise on what treatment should be given. Black fungus treatment will be given continuously for seven consecutive weeks, at a cost of Rs 2-3 lakh. We will request the Chief Minister to provide the treatment for free.  The state government has  also placed an order to purchase the antifungal drug, Amphotericin B ”

“Those who have symptoms must immediately consult a doctor and also avoid taking steroids without prescription,” he added