The Union Health Ministry has asked all state government s to make Black Fungus or mucormycosis a notifiable disease under the Epidemics Act.
Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry wrote to the states and the union territories,
With the implementation of this directive, “You are requested to make mucormycosis a notifiable disease under Epidemic Diseases Act 1897, wherein all government and private health facilities, medical colleges will follow guidelines for screening, diagnosis, management of mucormycosis, issued by health ministry and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and make it mandatory for all these facilities to report all suspected and confirmed cases to health department through district level chief medical officer…”
Also read: 'Aerosols can travel up to 10 meters', Govt recommends new rules to cure Covid-19
The decision has been taken amidst a sharp increase in the disease across India.
The Health Ministry claims Black Fungus as a “new challenge” which will require specialists from multiple disciplines.
Those patients who are diabetic or have severely weak immune systems are at a greater risk to contract Black Fungus.
The disease has been reported to cause deaths in 50% of the cases.
Also read: 'How are celebs procuring Covid drugs when states are reporting shortage': Bombay HC
The symptoms of Black Fungus are:
· Sinusitis — nasal blockage or congestion, nasal discharge (blackish/bloody)
· Local pain on the cheekbone, one-sided facial pain, numbness or swelling
· Blackish discolouration over the bridge of nose/palate
· Loosening of teeth, jaw involvement
Also read: Shameful, shocking!! Corona infected woman gang raped in Patna hospital, dies
· Blurred or double vision with pain
· Thrombosis, necrotic skin lesion
· Chest pain, pleural effusion, worsening of respiratory symptoms