Patna: Amid concerns over rising cases of Mucormycosis or black fungus in COVID-19 recovered patients, four cases of a deadlier ‘white fungus’ have been reported in Patna, Bihar. One of the infected patients is a famous doctor from Patna.
According to health experts, the white fungus infection is more dangerous than black fungus because it affects the lungs as well as other parts of the body including the nails, skin, stomach, kidney, brain, private parts and mouth.
Doctors said the white fungus infection is similar to when COVID-19 is detected when HRCT is performed on an infected patient, DNA reported.
The Head of Patna Medical College and Hospital’s Microbiology Department, Dr SN Singh, told India TV that there could be many more cases of such infection.
Vulnerable Section
Dr Singh said people with low immunity, diabetes, AIDS patients and those who have undergone kidney transplant are more susceptible to this disease.
Oxygen Cylinder Negligence
He also pointed out that negligence while using oxygen cylinder for COVID-19 patients can put them at risk of white fungus.
“People use tap water in the humidifier attached to the oxygen cylinder. Tap water may contain white fungus, which can be a source of chest infection in the person on oxygen support,” he added.
Also Read: States Must Declare Black Fungus An Epidemic: Centre
