First case of black fungus infection in Himachal as 52-year-old woman diagnosed at IGMC Shimla

Dinesh Kanwar
Hamirpur, May 21

A 52-year-old woman from Hamirpur has been diagnosed with mucormycosis (black fungus) at IGMC Shimla becoming the first case of the infection in Himachal Pradesh.

According to IGMC Medical Superintendent Dr Janak Raj, she had tested positive on May 4 and was referred to Nerchowk on May 8 when she complained of breathlessness. 

“The condition of the patient is stable at the moment,” said Dr Janak Raj. The woman was referred to IGMC yesterday.

The news has sent shockwaves in the district. Dr Anil Verma, the Covid nodal officer, said the treatment for the disease was available and hence people need not panic.

NHM Director Nipun Jindal said as per the evidence-based advisory issued by ICMR, uncontrolled diabetes, immune suppression by steroids, prolonged ICU stay, comorbidities-post transplant/malignancy are the predisposing factors for this disease. 

“The state has already issued advisory regarding the prevention and management of black fungus disease in the hospitals. The DHS and DME have been asked to take stock of adequate antifungal drugs like amphotericin B in their respective institutions,” he said.