Black fungus claims two lives in Kurnool GGH

KURNOOL: Black fungus has claimed lives of two Coronavirus patients undergoing treatment at Kurnool Government General Hospital (KGGH) on Sunday. One is aged 35 years from Guntur and the other is a 66 years’ old resident of Anantapur, hospital superintendent Dr G. Narendranath Reddy said.
Explaining the condition of patients who died of black fungus, Dr Narendranath Reddy said their eyes had got swollen and they were in bad condition. He underlined that blood glucose levels in such patients must be monitored frequently and kept within the range specified by protocols.

Dr C. Prabhakar Reddy, cardiothoracic surgeon, said black fungus is not a new disease. However, incidence of death due to the ailment is one in a million patients. On increased prevalence of black fungus among Covid-19 patients due to steroids, he maintained that use of steroids cannot be discontinued, as they benefit more than causing harm. Even after discharge, such patients have to continue mild steroids.

“But the problem is public not being educated enough about keeping their sugar levels under control,” Dr Prabhakar Reddy remarked.

Termed mucormycosis, black fungus is a rare but dangerous infection. It is caused by a group of molds called micromycetes and often affects sinuses, lungs, skin, and brain.