Black Fungus: Challenging India’s Medical System

It does not look like a sigh of relief for India as another epidemic hits the second most populated country of the world. A rising wave of Mucormycosis commonly known as Black Fungus is a major cause of concern. The Health system already buckling under the demand for Covid-19 treatment and this spike has put the health sector under tremendous pressure.

Gujarat and Maharashtra are the most affected states and have reported more than half of the cases in the country. At least 15 more states have reported more than 800 cases, which is normally reported in a year. People suffering from this disease need urgent attention but aren’t able to get treatment. According to the doctors, the spike in the cases is due to the overuse of steroids among Corona Virus-affected patients.

Mucormycosis is a fungal infection caused by inhaling or contacting the Muco Mold Spore mostly found in rotten things. It can affect the lungs, skin, and brain. It gradually spreads from the nose to the eyes and brain. Due to this, patients lose mental and physical alertness which poses a serious threat to life. Adding to the list of complications, the treatment in private hospitals is too expensive and drugs are in short supply. Scientists are still researching the exact cause of the epidemic and its linkages to the COVID-19. But many factors are involved

Listed under the Epidemic Disease Act of 1987, some experts say the major cause of this spike is the sanitary condition. Oxygen pipe contamination and a weak immune system due to COVID-19 are expected to be the major causes of the problem. But the relationship between black fungus and the Covid virus is still unknown.