Sukhmeet Bhasin

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, June 7

Though the district is reporting a sharp decline in the fresh Covid cases, there is a steady rise in the number of those infected with black fungus. Eight deaths and 66 cases of mucormycosis have been reported in the district so far.

As compared to the last month, the district has seen a steady drop in the Covid-infected persons, bringing the positivity rate down significantly. Health officials said people were being made aware of black fungus so that it could be prevented and patients could be treated at the right time.

Nodal officer Dr Yadwinder Singh said: “Of the 66 cases of black fungus, half are from outside the district. There is no need to be scared of the infection, but it is important to take precautions. Patients with any other illness are more vulnerable to it.” He said the infection was being treated at AIIMS and Adesh Medical College in the district. “The treatment protocol has been worked out for optimum usage of the available drugs. While patients with severe problems will be given intravenous injections, those with mild or moderate symptoms will be treated with tablets,” he said.

Dr Singh said: “The high prevalence of fungal infection in Covid-recovered patients is due to indiscriminate use of steroids and antibiotics for Covid treatment, prophylactic use of antifungals and contamination of nasal prongs and pipelines used for oxygen supply.” In Bathinda, 890 have died of Covid so far.