Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, Dr. Sudhakar held a meeting with experts to discuss the measures to be taken to prevent and treat Mucormycosis (also known as Black Fungus). The expert committee was headed by Dr. H.S.Satish, HOD ENT at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI).
Seven hospitals in Karnataka have been selected to treat Mucormycosis (Black Fungus). They are as follows:
- Bowring Hospital, Bengaluru.
- Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Hubballi.
- Mysuru Medical College and Research Institute, Mysuru.
- Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences, Gulbarga.
- Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences, Shimoga.
- Wenlock Hospital, Mangaluru.
- Kasturba Medical College, Manipal.
Mucormycosis is a post-covid complication that affects the Sinuses, the Brain, and the Lungs. People with diabetes and other immunocompromised diseases are prone to the disease. Excessive use of Steroids and Contamination in Ventilators and other equipment can also cause the Black Fungus infection.
Mucormycosis is now a notified disease and all hospitals have to mandatorily report the cases. The Government of Karnataka has ordered 20,000 vials of Amphotericin B used for the treatment of Mucormycosis. ‘All measures are being taken to identify sources of contamination to prevent Infection’ said Dr. Sudhakar K.