Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government Thursday declared mucormycosis (black fungus) as an epidemic disease. This move comes about as the state has reported an increase in the number of black fungus cases since the detection of the first one May 10 in a 71-year-old male patient. The black fungus is usually affecting Covid-19 people who are under steroids. Sources said that so far more than 10 people have been detected with the disease in Odisha.
“The Odisha government after careful consideration has been pleased to include mucormycosis (black fungus) as a notifiable disease by exercising the power conferred by Section 2 of the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897 until further order,” the Health and Family Welfare department said in a notification.
Even though so far it has not been threatening, there has been a steady rise in the number of black fungus cases in Odisha. It is being detected mostly among Covid- 19 patients who also use corticosteroids. This type of steroid is used to lower inflammation in the body but also reduces immunity.
The Health and Family Welfare department has already formed a task force to monitor the treatment of black fungus cases. The panel will look after the early detection and management of such cases in different hospitals in the state, said an official.
Recently, the task force suggested a protocol for identification, treatment and follow up action of all patients infected with black fungus. Officials said it will enable the department in monitoring the cases in a better manner.
Earlier in the day, the Union Health Ministry urged states and Union Territories to make black fungus or mucormycosis a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. “This fungal infection is leading to prolonged morbidity and mortality amongst Covid-19 patients,” Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry Lav Agarwal said in a letter to all states.