Lucknow & other UP districts gear up to fight against 'Black Fungus' infection as cases rise!

After the COVID virus unleashed its terrors throughout the territory, initial cases of the fatal 'Black Fungus' are sounding alarms in Uttar Pradesh now. Alerted by this, the state government is attempting to dampen the spread in its nascent stage. While a low count of cases is being witnessed currently, the deadly nature of this disease has induced swift action from the state authorities. As a part of this, a group of 14 health experts will help to mitigate the expected crisis.

Mucormycosis aka 'Black Fungus' infection after COVID-19

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Also known as mucormycosis, this disease is being witnessed among recovered and recovering COVID-19 patients. Reports state that it is usually found in 1 amongst 8 lakh individuals but high prevalence is being observed among COVID-affected individuals now. Amongst the most vulnerable people, are the ones with diabetes-related complications or a highly compromised immune system due to HIV/AIDS or cancer. Additionally, patients with long-timed steroid usage and prolonged ICU stay, also fall in the high-risk group.

Reportedly, common signs include swelling/redness around the eyes and nose, fever, headache, cough, shortness of breath and bloody vomits, altered sensorium, vision aberrations and chest pain. The only way to fight this infection is to seek early diagnosis and ensure the necessary treatment. As per experts, the disease progresses rapidly leading to fatal consequences, affecting the sinuses, brain and lungs.

Expert committee to assess the situation and suggest a further plan

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The group of experts constituted in Uttar Pradesh will make a detailed examination of the situation at hand and suggest plans for further action. They will try to find and devise methods regarding effective precaution and prevention besides augmenting the resources for treatment. Subsequently, they will regularly apprise the Chief Minister's Office about all the details.

According to a Union government advisory, the infection is being marked in patients with reduced immunity levels, which increases their susceptibility to environmental germs and microbes. Gujarat and Maharashtra are amongst the most affected states in the country, as of now.

7 cases seen at KGMU in the past 3 months

Medical professionals at Lucknow's King George Medical University informed that at least 7 such cases have been diagnosed at the centre over the past three months. Of these, 4 individuals are still receiving treatment in the ICU. While 2 patients aged 35 and 60 are diabetic, the other two aged 70 and 45, have taken steroids for a long time.

"All the four patients are residents of Lucknow and were getting treated for Covid at other hospitals. They were referred to us after they had swelling under their eyes," said Dr. D Himanshu, medical superintendent and in charge of the infectious diseases unit, KGMU.

Knock Knock

Sanjivini Hospital and Research Centre located in Viraj Khand, Gomti Nagar, is assuring relief to all non-COVID patients with their specialised services and standardised facilities. Besides catering to a diverse range of patients with different ailments, the multidisciplinary super-speciality hospital is also providing care and treatment for individuals suffering from post-COVID complications.

So, if you feel the need for medical care and assistance, getting in touch with Sanjivini Hospital can be highly beneficial for you. For more information, you can check out their website by clicking here or contact them directly at 0522-4232333 or 0522-3573895.