Two children in rural Karnataka were reported to be detected with mucormycosis, commonly known as black fungus, which was till now affecting only adults.
A 11-year-old girl from Ballari district and 14-year-old boy from Chitradurga district have been infected with the fungal disease. Both are undergoing treatment at government hospitals in Karnataka and their condition is said to be serious.
According to a health official they had contracted COVID-19 but were not aware of it and they were admitted to the hospital after they developed complications.
“Two children are undergoing treatment for the black fungus infection at Government Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospitals. They are suffering from Acute Juvenile Diabetes (AJD),” a senior health official told PTI.
Their condition is critical he added. However, 1250 cases of black fungus have been reported so far in the state, according to the state health department. As many as 1,193 are currently under treatment and 18 are cured while 39 have lost their lives so far.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar informed reporters that the state has so far received around 10,000 vials of amphotericin-B drug used for the treatment of the fungal infection, from the Centre. He said they are providing treatments and medicine free of cost in the government hospitals.
Black Fungus has emerged as a post-COVID-19 complication, especially among diabetes patients with high sugar levels.
