More black fungus cases in Telagana than Tamil Nadu, Kerala

HYDERABAD:  A nationwide study on ‘Covid-19-associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis,’ published in the Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, has found that compared to their respective Covid numbers, Telangana has reported disproportionately higher cases of black fungus than Tamil Nadu and Kerala. 

TN and Kerala have reported 24.4 lakh and 28.4 lakh Covid-19 cases, respectively, compared to 6.1 lakh cases reported by Telangana. However, the number of black fungus infections reported in the study by the two States were 63 and 7, respectively.  

Speaking to Express, Dr Santosh G Honavar, Director, Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery and Ocular Oncology at Centre for Sight, said, “The disproportionately more number of Covid-associated mucormycosis in Telangana might be because of under-reported cases of Covid-19 or due to the fact that many patients from the neighbouring States come to Hyderabad for treatment.” 

Another ophthalmologist from the city who contributed to the study, said, “The number of people getting treated by RMPs in Telangana is very high and they prescribe disproportionately high doses of steroids.”  
Dr Honavar pointed out that Covid-19 patients, especially those who are diabetic and prescribed steroids, were at a higher risk of mucormycosis. Such patients must take extra precautions like avoiding damp areas and wearing a mask even at home for up to six weeks to two months after recovering.