In 20 days, 53 black fungus deaths in Punjab

Chandigarh, June 8

In Punjab, 53 Covid patients have died due to mucormycosis (black fungus) in the past 20 days. As per data collected by the Health Department, around 350 cases have been reported in various government and private hospitals.

Last month, the state had notified black fungus under the Epidemic Diseases Act. While around 250 patients have been cured, 50 are still undergoing treatment at various hospitals.

In the age-wise breakup, 25% of cases are in the 18-45 age group, 38% in the 45-60 age group and 36% in the age group of above 60 years. Of the 53 patients who died, 88% had Covid, 86% had history of steroid intake and 80% were diabetic. Diabetes is a major risk factor for the patients getting infected with black fungus. — TNS