Rohit Shishodia

Not only are Covid patients developing Mucormycosis, but non-Covid patients are also getting this fungal infection, which becomes deadly if not treated initially.

India's Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has informed his group of ministers that till now 5424 cases of mucormycosis have been reported in 18 states and union territories. Out of these 5424 cases, 4556 patients have a history of Covid 19 infection. 55% of these patients had diabetes, he told his minister colleagues.

It may be noted that so far mucormycosis was being detected only in Covid patients and those who have recovered from it.

Mucormycosis can affect the face, infect the nose orbit of the eye or brain, and can also result in loss of eye vision.

Experts have said that non-judicious use of steroids is one of the causes that can result in this fungal infection. The symptoms of mucormycosis include one side facial pain, swelling, problem in vision and stuffy nose, bleeding in nose and blackish crust near nose.