No case of ‘black fungus’ in Kashmir: Dr Naveed

SRINAGAR — There is no case of Mucormycosis or ‘black fungus’ in Kashmir Valley, leading pulmonologist and HoD of CD Hospital here, Dr Naveed Nazir Shah said on Friday.

The statement comes on a day when a 40-year-old patient from Poonch — who had recuperated of COVID-19 — died at GMC Jammu.

“There is no case of Mucormycosis in Kashmir Valley,” he said, underlining that there was no need to panic.

He said Mucormycosis is a serious rare fungal infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes. “Mucormycosis mainly affects people who have health problems or take medicines that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness,” he said, adding, “Its symptoms include one-sided facial swelling, headache, nasal or sinus congestion, black lesions on nasal bridge or upper inside of mouth that quickly become more severe and fever.”

Mucormycosis, he said, is particularly dangerous because it spreads quickly throughout the body. “Left untreated, the infection can spread to the lungs or the brain. This can cause a brain infection.”

He, however, reiterated that there was no need to panic. “Take advise from your doctor in case you get COVID-19. Control your sugars and boost up your immunity,” he said, adding, “People should not take medicine unnecessarily without prescription of doctor.”