The infection usually occurs in recovered COVID-19 patients resulting from indiscriminate use of steroids, according to medical experts.
Union Minister Sadananda Gowda today said nearly 9,000 people have been infected with mucormycosis or Black Fungus across the country. In view of the rapid surge, the minister added, the government has sent over 23,000 additional vials of a key drug used for the treatment of the fungal infection to the affected state.
“After a detailed review of rising number of cases of #Mucormycosis in various states, a total of 23,680 additional vials of #Amphotericin- B have been allocated to all States/UTs today. The Allocation has been made based on total number of patients which is approximately 8,848 across country,” Mr Gowda, the Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers, tweeted along with the break-up of the number of vials allocated to the affected states.
Gujarat being the worst-hit state having 2,281 cases has been allocated 5,800 vials, while Maharashtra, the second worst affected, has been given 5,090 vials. The southern state of Andhra Pradesh will receive 2,300 vials to treat the 910 patients affected and neighbouring Telangana (350 cases) has been allocated 890 vials.
National capital Delhi, having reported 197 cases of black fungus till now, will receive 670 vials, according to his break-up.
After a detailed review of rising no. of cases of #Mucormycosis in various states, a total of 23680 additional vials of #Amphotericin– B have been allocated to all States/UTs today.
The Allocation has been made based on total no. of patients which is approx. 8848 across country. pic.twitter.com/JPsdEHuz0W
— Sadananda Gowda (@DVSadanandGowda) May 22, 2021
In the aftermath of COVID-19 infections, hundreds of cases of Black Fungus, which affects the eyes, nose, jaws, and could even spread to the brain, have been reported from across the country, after which the centre asked states to notify it under the Epidemic Diseases Act.
Amid reports of a shortage of medicines, the government had said that at least 11 pharmaceutical companies in India have been allowed to make drugs to treat Black Fungus.
The infection is a Covid-19 complication, that usually occurs in recovered COVID-19 patients results from indiscriminate use of steroids, according to medical experts.
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