A 60-year-old woman has been diagnosed with black fungus at Chattogram Medical College and Hospital (CMCH). This is the first case of the rare fungal infection in the district. "The victim -- Ferdousi Begum, of Patiya upazila -- recently recovered from Covid-19. She has been undergoing treatment for mucormycosis (black fungus) at the hospital for the last 3-4 days," said Dr Suzat Pal, head of CMCH's medicine department. Read:Black fungus detected in patient at DMCH “Our suspicion came true after a biopsy report confirmed that the woman has black fungus," he added. According to family sources, Ferdousi tested positive for Covid on July 3. After undergoing treatment for 10-12 days, she tested negative on July 15. But she had to admitted to CMCH again, following post-Covid complications. Ferdousi’s husband died of Covid-19 a few days back. Read: Bangladesh reports two ‘black fungus’ cases, one suspected death Chattogram Civil Surgeon Dr Sheikh Fazle Rabbi said, “The black fungus patient will be referred to Birdem General Hospital in Dhaka soon." On May 25, the first cases of black fungus in Bangladesh were detected in two Covid-recovered patients at Birdem General Hospital. “The government will take necessary steps if there is a rise in the number of patients with black fungus rise in the country. Black fungus is contagious," the Civil Surgeon said. Read: Steps underway to tackle black fungus: Health Minister Black fungus, a rare infection, has a mortality rate of 50% "with some only saved by removing an eye". The fungus affects many areas of the body including the eyes, nose, face, and even the brain in severe cases. However, in recent months, India, where states have been told to declare the disease as an epidemic, reportedly saw many black fungus cases affecting recovered and recovering Covid-19 patients.

Possibly the first case of 'Green Fungus’ has been reported in a COVID-recovered patient in the city of Indore in Madhya Pradesh. Dr Ravi Dosi, head of the Department of Chest Diseases, Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences (SAIMS) told PTI that the man, who had recovered from COVID-19, underwent a test on suspicion that he had contracted the dreaded black fungus infection (mucormycosis). Instead he was found to have Green fungus, also known as Aspergillosis, which is an infection caused by a common mold (a type of fungus) that lives indoors and outdoors. Most people breathe in Aspergillus spores every day without getting sick. It may cause nose bleeding and high fever. Also read: Black Fungus Infection: Panic Rising Among Covid Patients Green fungus is the newest infection to join earlier reported cases of black, white and yellow fungus even after AIIMS chief Randeep Guleria warned against creating "confusion" with fungus colours last month, reported NDTV. The 34-year-old patient, who battled Covid for two months before experiencing severe nosebleeds and fever, was suspected to have contracted the deadly Black Fungus or mucormycosis.  However, after tests, it was found that she has contracted 'Green Fungus' - an infection that had earlier been seen only as a "junior partner" in other cases, Dr Dosi said. He added that the fungus, that is acting as an aggressor in possibly the first reported case in the country, has affected the patient's lungs, sinuses and blood. Read India battles fatal fungal threat as virus deaths near 300K "The patient underwent Covid treatment for around two months. He went home and around 10-15 days started experiencing nosebleeds and fever. He came in for tests and we found that he is infected with 'Green Fungus'," Dr Dosi said. The doctor added that the medication for 'Green Fungus' is different from Black Fungus. He also added that 'colour coding' of the various types of viruses must be done. AIIMS Delhi chief Dr Guleria had last month warned against the "confusion" created by giving fungal infection different colours based on how they infected the body after reports emerged of the first case of 'Yellow Fungus' in the country. Also read: Black fungus detected in patient at DMCH "Naming the same fungus based on its colours, depending on the area of infection, creates confusion," he said. Black Fungus - the first of the coloured infections to be reported - is rare but is potentially fatal and has been declared an epidemic.  The newest disease is an Aspergillosis infection, and more research was needed on the fungus, Dr Dosi,  head of the Department of Chest Diseases at Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences (SAIMS) in Indore said. Aspergillosis is an extremely uncommon infection and affects the lungs. Read Fungus: Health Benefits, Nutritional Values and Precautions

A patient was diagnosed with black fungus at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Monday, the chief of the public hospital said. DMCH Director Brig Gen Dr Nazmul Haque said, "The patient had post-Covid symptoms and was diagnosed with black fungus after undergoing surgery." This was the third black fungus case detected in the capital and the first at DMCH. Also read: Steps underway to tackle black fungus: Health Minister The 45-year-old patient from Khulna was admitted to DMCH a week ago with post-Covid-19 complications. After a recent surgery, the doctors suspected black fungus in his body. They confirmed it after testing samples collected from the patient. On May 25, the first two cases of black fungus or mucormycosis were detected at the capital's Birdem General Hospital in patients who recovered from Covid-19. Also read: Bangladesh reports two ‘black fungus’ cases, one suspected death Black fungus, a rare infection, has a mortality rate of 50% "with some only saved by removing an eye." The fungus affects areas of the body including the eyes, nose, face, lungs, and even the brain in severe cases. However, in recent months, India, whose states have been told to declare the disease an epidemic, saw thousands of cases affecting recovered and recovering Covid-19 patients, according to BBC reports. Also read: Focus on black fungus as it adds to woes, says DGHS

In continuation of the Covid-19 epidemic, the black fungus infection has given rise to new panic among Corona patients. At the inception of the infection, it has reached the level of a terrible epidemic across India. Those who have already recovered from the corona or are moving towards recovery are also affected. Even those who do not have covid are not out of risk yet. With 50 death rete, scientists are worried about its severity in the future. The final stages of the disease are unlikely to be cured, so it is important to be aware along with the correct knowledge in advance. What is this black fungus? Black fungus is a fungus called mucor, which grows in a dark wet environment, humid and temperate climate. They can easily grow in any organics, such as perishable fruits and vegetables. It can be found in soil, plants, fertilizers, and even in the noses and coughs of healthy people. 30 to 50 percent humidity is favorable for them. However, their growth is less below 4 degrees Celsius. The fungi look a lot like tree stalks that are scattered all around. They have a kind of black spores or fine cocoon-like germs that cannot be seen with the naked eye. But if many are born in a certain place then it can be seen with the naked eye. These spores are basically their reproductive organs. These swell and float in the air like pollen. They are not damaged even by the sun's ultraviolet rays. Read India battles fatal fungal threat as virus deaths near 300K How does a black fungus infection occur? The harmful condition caused by the mucor fungus in the human body is called black fungus infection. In medical terms, it is called 'Mucormycosis'. According to an internationally renowned scientist Dr. Bijan Kumar Sheel, the black fungus enters the human body through the nose while breathing. The spores of the black fungus cannot harm a healthy person by entering into it while floating in the air. But when the immune system is low, they begin to reproduce in the human lungs. It can then spread to different parts of the body and cause death. It is only natural that the body's immune system, damaged by coronavirus, needs at least some time to recover. During this time, the body is completely exposed to any viruses or bacteria. In that sense, the coronavirus can cause many new complications even after recovery. From mental illness to the heart or brain - anything can happen. And black fungus infection is one of them. Read Fungus: Health Benefits, Nutritional Values and Precautions The reason behind this infection Needless to say, the reason behind this infection is the creation of a damp environment in which black fungus can grow. Millions of germs are being born in such favorable conditions, whereas the human body's resistance to disease is gradually declining in adverse conditions. In continuation of this, the human body is completely vulnerable to these germs due to coronavirus infection. Steroids used to treat coronavirus are responsible for black fungus infections. Doctors prescribe steroids to covid patients before or after referral to the ICU. These giving extra steroids can lead to subsequent fungal infection in the patient’s body. Mushtaq Hossain, a public health expert in Bangladesh, said that doctors should be careful in giving necessary medicines considering the patient’s condition. The steroid relieves pneumonia in the corona-affected person. When the body's normal immune system becomes active in preventing the coronavirus, the body suffers some complications. Steroids help repair these complications. Meanwhile, it increases the amount of sugar in the blood. Then it reduces the body's resistance to disease. Everyone, who has or does not have diabetes, has these troubles. As a result, patients develop Mucormycosis. Read Can I take COVID vaccines from two different brands?

As ‘black fungus’ keeps on spreading in different Indian states amid the Covid surge, Bangladesh remains alert so that this fungal disease cannot put any extra strain on the country’s medical system, says DGHS. Speaking at a virtual press briefing, Dr Nazmul Islam, a spokesman of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), said, “Many patients have been diagnosed with black fungus or mucormycosis in different Indian states, including Maharashtra Gujarat, Delhi and recently in West Bengal.” He said this rare fungal disease has been declared as an epidemic in different states of India. “In Bangladesh, we’re keeping a close eye on it so that it can’t create extra pressure on our health system.” The Indian states are declaring the “black fungus” an epidemic since it has increased in patients recovering from Covid-19. Read: Vaccination in Bangladesh: DGHS says online registration is a must  According to experts, black fungus affects patients initially in the nose and then it can spread into the brain. Often it can be treated by major surgeries removing the eye or part of the skull and jaw. More than 7,000 people in India have already been reported with the fungal disease and 219 have lost their lives. Many of those being infected with the disease are coronavirus patients, or those who have recently recovered from Covid-19, whose immune systems have been weakened by the virus or who have underlying conditions, including diabetes. Dr Nazmul Islam said they have already talked about the preventive measures of the fungal disease at their different forums. He said the members of the national technical advisory committee are working on the issue and they will finalise their guidelines and suggestions in this regard through discussions. “We’ve also talked about the issue. We’ve also sent warming messages to different districts.” The DGS officials said they will formally give specific guidelines on the treatment protocol management of the rare fungal disease.   Read: Covid vaccination in Bangladesh to start in first week of Feb: DGHS About the Covid vaccine, he said, the government’s stock of AstraZeneca vaccine is about to deplete at the end of this week. Dr Nazmul said 15 lakh people who received the first dose will not get the second dose in time as the stock is going to be exhausted. He urged all to wait with patience until the new consignment of vaccine arrives. “It’s also necessary to maintain hygiene rules.” The DGHS official said the government is trying to collect vaccines from the United States and the United Kingdom and other sources.  "We’re hopeful that somehow we’ll be able to collect vaccines from these sources as per our demand.” Replying to a question, he said no decision has been taken yet on the use of mixed vaccines. As the highly transmissible Indian variant has been detected in the country, Dr Nazmul said people must wear masks and strictly maintain health safety rules and social distance to keep them safe.

Doctors in India are fighting a fatal fungal infection affecting COVID-19 patients or those who have recovered from the disease amid a coronavirus surge that has driven the country’s fatalities to nearly 300,000. The life-threatening condition, known as mucormycosis, is relatively rare but doctors suspect that the sudden increase in the infection could further complicate India’s fight against the pandemic. India has reported more than 26 million confirmed cases of the coronavirus since the pandemic began, with almost half occurring in the past two months. On Sunday, the Health Ministry reported 3,741 new deaths, driving India’s confirmed fatalities to 299,266. It also reported 240,842 new infections, as daily cases remained below 300,000 for a week. The numbers are almost certainly undercounts, with many cases likely being missed due to limited testing. Read: Covid-19: Why ‘world’s pharmacy’ India is short on shots Experts say new infections in India, which had been rising steeply, may finally be slowing. But there are some early indications that mucormycosis, also known as “black fungus,” is fast becoming a cause of worry. Mucormycosis is caused by exposure to mucor mold, which is commonly found in soil, air and even in the nose and mucus of humans. It spreads through the respiratory tract and erodes facial structures. Sometimes, doctors have to surgically remove the eye to stop the infection from reaching the brain. On Saturday, federal minister Sadananda Gowda said nearly 9,000 cases had been reported in India so far, leading to a shortage of Amphotericin B, the drug used to treat the condition. Gowda didn’t share the number of fatalities, but local media have said more than 250 have died because of the disease. Health officials were working to alleviate the drug shortage, which comes at a time when the country is already short on supplies of oxygen and other health care needs, Gowda said. Mucormycosis has a high mortality rate and was already present in India before the pandemic. It is not contagious but its frequency in the last month has left doctors shocked. “It is a new challenge and things are looking bleak,” said Ambrish Mithal, the chairman and head of the endocrinology and diabetes department at Max Healthcare, a chain of private hospitals in India. Mithal said the fungal infection preys on patients with weakened immune systems and underlying conditions, particularly diabetes, and irrational usage of steroids. Uncontrolled blood sugar can put immunocompromised people at a higher risk of contracting the disease. “Earlier I used to come across just a few cases every year but the current infection rate is frightening,” said Mithal. The latest surge of coronavirus infections in rural India has already taken a toll. Now heath experts are worried that over-the-counter medication, including steroids, can increase the prevalence of mucormycosis. Read: India COVID-19 tally rises to 26,530,132, daily deaths fall below 4,000 SK Pandey, a medical officer at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Uttar Pradesh state’s Lucknow city, said that unqualified doctors were giving steroids to patients in many rural areas without giving a thought whether they require it or not. “This has led to increase in black fungus cases in smaller cities where the patient has not even been hospitalized,” he said. India’s Health Ministry on Thursday asked states to track the spread of the condition and declare it an epidemic, making it mandatory for all medical facilities to report the cases to a federal surveillance network. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called the disease a “new challenge.”

The fungus has always secured an interesting spot in the food industry. Its nutritional benefits aren’t shared as frequently as compared to the likes of food and vegetables. Mushrooms, for example, are commonly found in burgers, pasta, and soup but have been marketed as a flavor enhancer more than anything else - but the fungus has more than restaurants are letting on. Here are the nutritional values and health benefits of fungus. Nutritional Values of Fungus  As a whole, fungus such as black fungus, mushrooms, and more contain a plethora of properties, with the standouts being Vitamin D, protein, and potassium. Because mushrooms assimilate organic matter rather than being able to photosynthesize like plants, carbohydrates are its main source of carbon and that presents a different set of nutrients to plants. Glucose, xylose, sucrose, and fructose are some carbon-based nutrients. On a slightly smaller scale, some mushrooms contain magnesium, zinc, folate, vitamin B, and fiber. This is because fungi are parasitic in nature and contain nutrients from organic material it “infects”. Despite the connotation of fungi’s identity, it is a rising superfood that can nutritionally benefit many staple dishes. Read Bodybuilding Vs Powerlifting: Similarities, Differences, Pros, Cons Is Fungus Goof for Your Health? Healthy Skin There aren’t many foods out there that benefit skin health to the same degree as snow fungus. The food contains large quantities of polysaccharides that have been making waves in the skincare industry. This is due to its ability to keep skin hydrated by acting similarly to hyaluronic acid, the hydration it presents helps restore the skin’s elasticity while containing antioxidants as well.  Read Curry Leaf Health Benefits and Uses High In Potassium Particularly found in black fungus is a high count in potassium. This nutrient benefits in the long term by assisting in preventing kidney stone formations, hypertension and even strokes. Potassium also has more immediate benefits that include moderating blood pressure, establishing bodily PH balance, digestion improvement and heart health. A versatile nutrient that fungus has in spades when consumed moderately only.  Read Most creative ways to eat more fruits for the non-fruit eaters Cancer Prevention According to the National Cancer Institute, the antioxidants found in mushrooms can prevent different types of cancers such as lung, breast, and prostate for starters. Vitamin D is the main nutrient found in mushrooms that accredit this ability, proving that it can prevent and treat cancer, however, this is largely dependent on the patient’s specific reaction to it. Additionally, Choline is an antioxidant known to reduce the risks of cancer altogether, however, this is less substantial.  Also read: Matcha Green Tea Health Benefits Reduces Risk Of Diabetes Not exclusive to mushrooms, its high fiber content does put it in the same league as vegetables in terms of its quantity - resulting in a solid range of choices that can reduce the risks of diabetes altogether, especially type 2. Unlike other nutrients found in fungus, fiber is best congested as a whole in a well-structured meal plan. Meaning beans, rice, vegetables, and certain types of bread perfectly complement the mushroom’s rich fiber count. Read Is Raw Onion Good For High Blood Pressure?