The COVID-19 that triggers mucormycosis is new, hospital authorities said. (Figurative)
New Delhi:
Doctors at a leading private facility in Delhi have found multiple cases in recovering coronavirus patients, who were diagnosed with a deadly fungal infection “triggered by COVID-19,” due to which nearly half of them lost their sight, they claimed. hospital authorities on Monday.
In the past 15 days, ENT surgeons at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (HRMS) have seen 13 cases of “COVID-19-triggered mucormycosis.”
This alarming affliction, while rare, is not new. What’s new is that COVID-19 triggers mucormycosis, they said.
Black fungus or mucormycosis has long been a cause of illness and death in transplant patients, ICUs, and immunocompromised individuals. However, it is the rapid increase in the number of unsuspected recovering COVID-19 patients that is causing great concern, HRMS said in a statement.
“In the last 15 days, ENT surgeons have seen 13 cases of mucormycosis caused by COVID-19 in more than 50 percent of patients, with loss of sight, and the removal of the nose and jaw is necessary,” said.
Mortality is currently seen in the 50 percent range (five patients), with certain deaths when the brain is affected, hospital officials said.
Doctors had to do these resections in about 10 patients during the last fortnight, and “about 50 percent lost their sight permanently.” Five of these patients required intensive care due to associated complications. There have also been five deaths so far in this subgroup, according to the statement.
According to Manish Munjal, senior otolaryngologist surgeon, at the hospital, “The frequency with which we are witnessing the appearance of mucormycosis caused by COVID-19 with high morbidity and mortality has never been seen before and is shocking and alarming.”
Varun Rai, consultant otolaryngologist surgeon at SGRH, said: “Early clinical suspicion of symptoms such as a blocked nose, swelling in the eye or cheeks, and dry black crusts on the nose should immediately prompt biopsy at OPD and initiation of antifungal therapy as soon as possible “.
Delhi recorded 1,376 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, the lowest level in more than three and a half months, even as the death tally rose to 10,074 with 60 new deaths.
The positivity rate fell to 2.15 percent from 2.74 percent on Sunday, authorities said.
Monday’s bulletin said that 5,83,509 patients have recovered, been discharged or migrated so far.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)
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