DHAKA: Bangladesh has reported a patient who recovered from the Covid19 infection in Satkhira as the first case of Mucormycosis or black fungus, a top official said on Tuesday. The person was reportedly diagnosed with mucormycosis while undergoing tests at BIRDEM General Hospital in May.

Director General MKI Quayyum Choudhury said, "The patient was earlier diagnosed with coronavirus in Khulna." When queried if the patient had travelled to India, Choudhury did not provide any information.

Mucormycosis is a fungal infection, which is rare but can be fatal. In 50 per cent of the cases, this fungal infection causes death. A patient suffering from the black fungus can be saved only by removing the bone around the eyes or jaw.

Neighbouring India, which is still battling a devastating second wave of the Covid pandemic, has reported thousands of black fungus cases. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Mucormycetes, the group of fungi that cause mucormycosis, are more common in soil than in air, and in summer and fall than in winter or spring. Most people come in contact with microscopic fungal spores every day, So, it's probably impossible to completely avoid coming in contact with mucormycetes.

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