Fungal diseases, unlike those caused by viruses or bacteria, have flown under the radar in medical science. Mucormycosis left doctors, patients with battle scars.
Experts said cases of mucormycosis peaked due to excessive misuse of steroids amid the 2nd wave. Unmonitored blood sugar levels and self-medication by many also contributed.
Diabetes, high steroid use, unsanitary conditions, changes in iron metabolism and lack of ventilation are the most likely reasons for this medical crisis, researchers said.
A study found that the prevalence rate of diabetes in rural and urban India has increased about six times from 1972 to 2017. Targeting changes in lifestyle is the need of the hour.
A panel will probe oxygen supply chains, role of medication, and referral cases from smaller hospitals to ascertain the source causing mucormycosis in recovering Covid patients.
Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, a leading gastroenterologist in Kerala, cites an analysis of 210 patients to state there are factors beyond steroid use and diabetes in emerging cases of mucormycosis.
There are over 7,000 cases of mucormycosis, or black fungus, in India. Misinformed and indiscriminate use of oral steroids may have brought on this avoidable tragedy.
Delhi hospitals are seeing a rise in cases of mucormycosis, or Black Fungus infection, & are struggling with ensuring medicine stock, says govt needs to speed up supply.
The health ministry invokes the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897, urges states to follow guidelines for screening, diagnosis, and management of black fungus.
Contrary to naysayers, the RSS practices what it preaches. It is closer to the Gandhian teaching of improving the individual morally and spiritually to change the external environment.
CM Yogi Adityanath claims that from being called a ‘bimaru’ state, UP is now among the top-3 economies in India. The 2026 Budget session of the UP assembly is currently underway.
This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.
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