Mucormycosis (black fungus) has been declared an epidemic in Rajasthan. The number of cases of this disease are increasing in the state which primarily affects people recovering from Covid. The notification has been issued by the Principal Health Secretary Akhil Arora today. Mucormycosis has been notified as an epidemic and a notifiable disease in the state under the Rajasthan Epidemic Act 2020.
In wake of a surge in Black fungus cases in the state, the government has instructed the hospitals to limited use of steroids during treatment of Covid patients. Experts believe that giving large amounts of steroids to Covid patients reduces their immunity, due to which they get infection of this disease. People with diabetes are more prone to getting the black fungus infection. The Health department has constituted teams of medicine, ENT and neurology specialists in all major hospitals to treat black fungus. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has instructed special studies on this disease by a group of expert doctors. A special ward has been set up at Sawai Mansingh Hospital in Jaipur for the treatment of patients with this disease.