Patient with black fungus detected at DMCH

A case of black fungus has been detected in Dhaka Medical College Hospital in a patient who recently recovered from Covid-19.

Dr Farhad Uddin Maruf Chowdhury, registrar of the Medicine Department of the hospital, confirmed the development.

He said the 45-year-old patient was infected with Covid-19 nearly a month ago. He was admitted at the hospital a week ago with post Covid-19 complications including headache and problems in his right eye.

The doctors suspected mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, and collected samples after conducting a surgery in his nose, he said.

The samples were sent to Birdem Hospital and the result indicated a case of black fungus, Dr Farhad added.

Those with uncontrolled diabetes and compromised immune system are at high risk. A black fungus infection can turn critical in someone who has a compromised immune system.

Health experts, however, said there is no reason to panic as people of all ages are not at risk.

Earlier in May, two cases of black fungus were detected at Birdem Hospital in patients who have recovered from Covid-19.

Dr Farhad said, "The patient is undergoing treatment at the hospital. He had breathing issues before the operation but he is doing better now. We are hopeful the patient will recover gradually."