After black fungus, ‘white fungus’ cases pose new challenge amid Covid wave

PTI, May 21, 2021, 2:54 PM IST

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After black fungus cases were reported in Covid recovered patients across the country, cases of white fungus also known as ‘candidiasis’ has now posed a new challenge with four such cases being reported from Bihar.

“White fungus” is an infection caused by a yeast named Candida and medical experts claim that it is more deadlier than Mucormycosis since it affects other organs of the body apart from lungs.

A IndiaTV report, quoting Dr SN Singh, Head of Patna Medical College and Hospital’s Microbiology Department mentions that there could be many more cases of white fungus infection.

Notably, the symptoms of the disease are similar to COVID-19 and can be differentiated via tests. If left untreated, it can even cause death.

People with weaker immunity, diabetes, antibiotic use, prolonged steroid use, cancer treatment are more vulnerable to the infection. Patients on oxygen support can also be at risk of infection and this can be prevented by sterilizing the oxygen or ventilator equipment, including the tubes.

Use of sterilized water, instead of tap water in the humidifier attached to the oxygen cylinders will ensure that the oxygen reaching the patient’s lungs is not laden with the fungus or other pathogens.

Patients with the white fungus are currently being treated with known anti-fungal medication and all four cases were reportedly in stable condition, with no other states having reported cases of the disease yet.