Tribune News Service

Mohali, May 20

Dissemination of information on black fungus is necessary for its early detection and reduction in fatalities caused by the disease, says Mohali Deputy Commissioner Girish Dayalan.

Addressing an informative session on mucormycosis, commonly known as black fungus, organised by a private hospital here today, Dayalan said: “There is need to educate people on the fungal infection as incidence of mucormycosis has shown significant rise in Covid patients.”

He also endorsed the opinion of doctors that such patients should undergo endoscopic diagnosis for early detection.

Earlier, Dr Ashok Gupta, ENT specialist, said early intervention and diagnosis could help in controlling black fungus among patients.

“Mucormycosis is an invasive, fungal infection caused by a class of moulds called mucormycetes. The fungus enters the body by inhalation and affects the sinuses, orbit, brain and lungs,” he informed.

Discussing symptoms of the disease, Dr Gupta informed that patients might experience periorbital swelling and pain, discolouration of skin, facial swelling and ulceration in the nasal cavity.

If timely intervention is not done, symptoms can develop such as redness of eyes, drooping of eyelids, watering of eyes, double vision and in some cases, loss of vision. Facial nerve paralysis has also been observed, he said.

Stressing on measures to prevent the disease, Dr Gupta said: “Early diagnosis and intervention is the need of the hour.”

“People should ensure personal hygiene, wearing face masks and face shields to keep infections at bay,” he said.