PANAJI
About six cases of ‘mucormycosis’ dubbed as the “black fungus” have been detected at Goa Medical College and Hospital.
Dean of GMC Dr S M Bandekar informed that these patients are being treated with the latest protocol.
“This is seen in patients with high diabetes and people who abuse steroids. During the first five days of Covid infection, the virus is strong and hence, we had restricted the use of steroids during this time. We have procured the required anti-fungal medications and they are responding well,” Dr Bandekar stated.
He further informed that the fungal infection affects the sinus and in its worst stages, it affects the eyeballs. Patients tend to have epileptic fits and vision issues.
“The bottom line is that taking steroids early in the disease causes this infection,” Dr Bandekar said.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Ravi Dhawan hinted that the worst of the second wave of Covid pandemic may be over for Goa.
Speaking to the media, Dhawan said, “It is a good chance that cases have already peaked but we cannot be absolutely conclusive about it. Some more data needs to come in. We should probably give it another three to four days more.”
