Fresh allocation of Amphotericin B in view of rising mucormycosis cases!

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri D.V Sadananda Gowda announced that after a detailed review of rising number of cases of Mucormycosis in various states, a total of 23680 additional vials of Amphotericin- B have been allocated to all States and UTs today. He also informed that the allocation has been made based on total number of patients which is approximately 8848 across the country.

 

In the recent days, some States and UTs have reported an increasing number of patients suffering from Mucormycosis, popularly known as Black Fungus. Taking a note of the secondary and opportunistic fungal infections which are getting amplified due to the present surge in COVID cases and Mucormycosis becoming a cause of concern, Union Ministry of Health has advised all States to review their preparedness for infection prevention and control, as well as hygiene and sanitation in hospitals.

 

 

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 in the aftermath of COVID-19 infections, following which the centre asked states to notify it under the Epidemic Diseases Act.

 

 

 

At least 11 pharmaceutical companies in India have been allowed to make drugs to treat Black Fungus, the government had said amid reports of a shortage of medicines. Some doctors say there has been panic use of steroids to combat Covid, which has fueled the spread of Black Fungus. Coronavirus patients with diabetes and a weakened immune system are particularly vulnerable to Black Fungus.

 

 

The disease is caused by organisms called mucormycetes, which enter the body through breathing or skin injuries. These are naturally present in soil and decaying organic matter, but once inside humans, they can infect air pockets behind the forehead, nose, cheekbones and between the eyes and teeth.

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