Tribune News Service

Patiala, May 17

For the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic, Government Rajindra Hospital today reported five suspected cases of mucormycosis, popularly known as black fungus.

The hospital authorities said of the five suspected cases one was Covid survivor while four were active patients grappling with the virus at the hospital.

Dr RPS Sibia, head, Department of Medicine, Government Rajindra Hospital, said they had already sent samples of patients for clinical confirmation. “We have already put patients on the treatment of black fungus. The suspected cases have been reported yesterday. This is for the first time that the hospital has cases of black fungus.”

After surfacing of suspected black fungus cases at the hospital they were more alert and keeping a careful watch on patients, Dr Sibia added.

Meanwhile, health experts said patients, who were immune compromised and had ailments like diabetes, kidney and liver problems, were at greater risk of contracting black fungus because they were most likely to be on steroids already.

Besides, patients, who were kept on oxygen support for longer time during Covid treatment, were also vulnerable, experts added.

As to symptoms of black fungus, health officials said, “Common symptoms of black fungus are release of brown discharge from nose, severe pain in cheeks, eyes and teeth, blackening of palette, loosening of teeth, decreasing vision and protrusion of eyes.”