New Infection – White Fungus Detected; Dangerous Than Black Fungus

With mucormycosis (black fungus) cases on rising, the Union Health Ministry has urged states and union territories to make the black fungus, a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, stating that it is leading to prolonged morbidity and mortality amongst Covid patients. The deadly fungal infection was first seen in deranged sugar control patients and in those who are on steroid therapy, leaving the whole nation in auxiliary danger.

“This fungal infection is leading to prolonged morbidity and mortality amongst COVID 19 patients,” Joint Secretary in the health ministry Lav Agarwal said in the letter. Now, one more infection namely White fungus has been detected and four white fungus cases have been reported so far in Patna Medical College Hospital on Thursday, Head of Department of Microbiology Dr SN Singh said. These four cases showed covid-related symptoms but did not test positive for covid. “In all the cases, their lungs were found infected. Anti-fungal medicines were given and the patients recovered,” Singh told.

Both Black fungus and white fungus amid the second wave of the pandemic is leaving Indian worried as it is primarily affecting people recovering from Covid-19. White Fungus is comparatively riskier and deadly to patients on oxygen support than black fungus. The new fungal infection is also causing skin damages. And if detected late, the infection can lead to death. Doctors are appealing to all covid patients and covid survivors to take both infections seriously. The reason why the white fungus is more dangerous than the black fungus is because of its acute effect on lungs and other body parts including nails, skin, stomach, kidney, brain, private parts and mouth.