Chhattisgarh govt notifies black fungus an epidemic

RAIPUR:

Chhattisgarh

government on Saturday notified Mucormycosis or black fungus as an epidemic in the state under the

Epidemic Act

of 1987. The decision was taken in the wake of increasing cases of black fungus in the state.

As on Saturday, Chhattisgarh had 102 patients of black fungus, of which five have died.

As per health officials, a notifiable disease is any disease that is required by law to be reported to government authorities. This allows the authorities to monitor the disease and provide early warning of possible outbreaks.

Under the notifiable disease rule, no hospital or medical centre with the capacity to treat mucormycosis can deny admission to patients.

Health officials said Amphotericin B injection used in treatment for black fungus will be provided to only government medical colleges, institutions and Covid-dedicated hospitals on payment.

Health dept forms team of surveillance cell consisting 12 docs
Health officials said Amphotericin B injection used in treatment for black fungus will be provided to only government medical colleges, institutions and Covid-dedicated hospitals on payment after they formally requisition for its supply on the prescribed format giving details of the patients and nature of infection.

To identify patients of black fungus in advanced stage, Raipur health department has formed a team of surveillance cell consisting 12 doctors. This cell has prepared a list of 1,600 patients who had prolonged stay in ICU while undergoing treatment of Covid-19. These patients are now being called by the team, who are confirming the signs and symptoms of black fungus over call from these patients, informed health officials.

The symptoms of the fungal infection include blackening or discoloration over the nose, blurred or double vision, chest pain, breathing difficulties and coughing blood.

On the line of the Centre's advisory, several states in country including Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana have declared black fungus a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.