Earlier in the month, the Indian variant was detected within Bangladesh and now, it has been confirmed from reported cases that mucormycosis or the “black fungus” infection has been detected in Bangladesh.
Mucormycosis, earlier thought to be a rare fungal disease, is now thought to strike recovered or recovering Covid patients. With a reported 50% mortality rate which jumps to over 90% if not treated with priority, to say that we must prepare to the very best of our abilities to ensure this disease does not become epidemic would be a gross understatement. Treatment for the disease is also extremely costly, so to nip it in the bud is our best option if we are to successfully contain it.
As such, the first step is to educate ourselves about this fungus, which, as health experts state, does not affect everyone, and those with diabetes and comorbidities are most at risk. Similarly, those who have taken immunosuppressants, and those with weaker immune systems, are also at risk. It is important for the public to not panic, and the onus falls on the authorities concerned, and also the media, to be responsible and transparent with any information related to the disease.
Preparedness is just as, if not more important, than being informed and aware. As such, it is encouraging to see that Dr Nazmul Islam, one of the spokespersons for Covid-19 management at the DGHS, said the National Technical Advisory Committee (NTAC) on Covid-19 is taking this matter very seriously, and is devising guidelines and directives to best manage and treat the disease.
Bangladesh has been teetering on the edge of a potential health catastrophe, similar to what India went through this month. The presence of the black fungus does not make things easier, and it will take a concerted effort, not just from the authorities concerned and the health experts, but every single citizen, to ensure that we do not suffer a similar fate to that of India.