As many as 518 people have been affected by the black fungus or mucormycosis in Tamil Nadu so far,  which include 17 death, Minister for Medical and Family Welfare Ma. Subramanian said on Tuesday.

The Minister launched a special mucormycosis screening centre at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH). Steps are also being taken to establish similar screening facilities in all government medical college hospitals in the State.

He said, “A 13-member committee will look into the causes of mucormycosis, including the role of steroid use in patients diagnosed with COVID-19, and the possible contamination in industrial oxygen”.  Further,  “A total of 120 beds have been earmarked at the RGGGH for patients diagnosed with mucormycosis. A similar special ward has already been set up at the Government Medical College Hospital, Omandurar Estate,” he added.

According to a press release, presently 112 patients with mucormycosis are admitted to the RGGGH. Endoscopic nasal surgical debridement has been performed so far in more than 30 patients, and vision saved in two by administering intraorbital amphotericin injection.

Mucormycosis, commonly called black fungus, is a serious and rare fungal infection affecting those suffering from coronavirus in India. The black fungus that invades the brain is being increasingly seen in vulnerable patients in India as the health system continues to struggle amid the pandemic.

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