Tribune News Service

Patiala, May 23

Two more Covid patients, who had been found infected with mucormycosis (black fungus), died at the isolation wing of the Government Rajindra Hospital here today.

The number of black fungus-related deaths have now increased to four at the hospital. The Civil Surgeon, Dr Satinder, said two patients of black fungus had died while two others had been referred to the PGI, Chandigarh. Around 14 patients had been found infected with black fungus at the hospital so far, he added.

Besides, five patients, who were undergoing treatment for Covid at private hospitals in the city, have been found to be infected with the fungus. “Around 19 cases of black fungus have been confirmed in the district so far. Of them, four have died,” said Dr Satinder.

Health experts explained that adverse effects of the treatment of coronavirus on the body caused black fungus. High doses of steroids given to patient to control lungs’ inflammation badly affect the body’s immunity, say the experts. Dr JagpalInder, MS, Ophthalmology, said prolonged oxygen therapy given to Covid patients reduced immunity, thereby, increasing the risk of black fungus infection.

He said: “In the first stage of black fungus, there is involvement of nose and sinuses, thereafter, the infection spreads to the eye/orbit. In an advanced stage, infection invades the brain tissue. However, early diagnosis and management ensures minimal damage.”

Symptoms

• Facial pain, swelling, numbness, tingling sensation
• Severe headache
• Stuffy nose/bleeding from nose
• Swelling around the eye
• Poor vision or double vision
• Inability to open the eye
• Prominence of the eye
• Difficulty in chewing or opening of mouth
• Dental pain
• Black discolouration of facial skin, nose and palate