Following reports of an increased incidence of fungal infection in the state, West Bengal has declared black fungus, also known as mucormycosis, a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Act.
According to the official, it is now mandatory for a doctor to inform the authority after diagnosing a case of confirmed or suspected mucormycosis, citing a health department order, reports Mint.
The order said case notification will involve sharing of all relevant information, such as the patient's personal details, medical history, diagnosis and investigative results, as well as outcome data in the event of death.
A case notification format has also been provided by the health department.
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West Bengal has become the tenth state to declare the fungus an epidemic.
According to a study in PTI, two people have died as a result of black fungus in the state so far, and ten people are being treated for the disease.
Signs of black fungus
Pain and redness around the eyes and nose, fever, headache, coughing, and shortness of breath, as well as vomiting blood and “altered mental state,” which includes confusion, amnesia, lack of alertness, and disorientation.
What is mucormycosis or black fungus?
Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, is a fungal infection caused by exposure to mucor mould which is commonly found in soil, plants, manure, and decaying fruits. It is caused by a group of moulds known as mucormycetes present naturally in the environment. It spreads through the nose and affects other parts of the body such as the eyes.
Amphotericin-B, an antifungal compound, is currently being used to treat the black fungus disease.