As the devastating second wave of Covid-19 wanes, hospitals are now facing a new challenge in the form of a rise in mucormycosis or black fungus cases. Cases have grown over 150% in 3 weeks to 31,000, while over 2,100 deaths have been reported.
The increase in number is largely the result of severe shortage of the key drug - Amphotericin-B to treat affected patients.
Maharashtra leads with 7,057 Black Fungus cases and 609 deaths; it is followed by Gujarat with 5,418 cases and 323 deaths. Rajasthan has seen 2,976 cases. Karnataka has reported 188 deaths so far.
Back on May 25, Maharashtra had 2,770 Black Fungus cases, while Gujarat reported 2,859 cases on the same day.