One dies of black fungus, Goa Medical College says 6 cases in Goa

PANAJI: Six days after the first Covid-19 patient succumbed to Mucormycosis in the state, health officials have said that at least six such cases have been reported in Goa to date.
While the state government is aware of these six cases at Goa Medical College (GMC), it seems oblivious of the two cases at private hospitals in South Goa. GMC dean Dr Shivanand Bandekar said that six Covid-19 patients at GMC have been detected with Mucormycosis — also called black fungus — but are doing well.

“Six mucormycosis cases are being treated in Goa,” said . Bandekar. “The six patients were detected with black fungus at the time of their Covid-19 treatment and not after discharge from the hospital. All six patients are currently undergoing treatment at GMC.”
The state faces a massive shortage of Amphotericin B vials, with relatives of the patients taking to social media to search for the medicine, and even asking relatives in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune and Belagavi to procure the medicine.
The first victim was a male who died on May 11 at a private hospital near Holy Spirit Church, Margao. However, on May 15, director of health services Dr Jose D’Sa said that no case of mucormycosis was detected in the state. The first patient was treated with two doses of Amphotericin B, but succumbed a day later.
The second patient tested positive for mucormycosis on May 12, and is being treated at a private hospital at Malbhat, Margao. “We have one case. The patient has Covid-19 we are doing the best we can,” said a senior doctor at the private hospital.
Caused by a fungus which infects the nose, eyes, brain and sinuses, experts are trying to ascertain the exact cause for the fungus infection in Covid patients, but the state government remains oblivious to the fact.
Bandekar said that the patients at GMC, who have high diabetes, may have been self-medicating with steroids.
“Six patients had taken steroids a little early, even as their diabetes was high. The results of their treatment are good. We have procured antifungal drugs needed for their treatment,” he said.
He said that the six were being treated with the latest protocol, namely endoscopic radical debridement. Bandekar urged people not to start using steroids during the initial phase of the infection.
“Only after five days, when inflammation in the lungs is noticed, must the patient be given steroids,” said Bandekar.