Mucormycosis claims 303 lives in Karnataka, 34% from 34% from Bengaluru
Posted 12 Jul 2021 | Source: Times of India

A total of 3,491 patients have been diagnosed with mucormyco in the state as on July 9, and the fatality rate is 8.6% Bengaluru Urban district has seen 1,109 cases, followed by Dharwad 279, Vijayapura 208 and Kalaburagi 196. While Bengaluru reported the highest number of deaths, Kalaburagi saw 23 deaths and Dakshina Kannada 20.

While exposure to Covid was a common factor, there is no clarity on what led to the fungal infection. Many factors — high sugar levels,
steroid usage and a possible effect of Delta variant — are suspected to have contributed to this infection.

Mucormycosis as a post-Covid complication is not seen in other countries. Even in India, it is largely restricted to a few states,including Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Sources said most deaths occurred in May and early June when there was an acute shortage of anti-fungal medicine, Liposomal Amphotericin B drug, and many patients were given one dose of medicine once in 2-3 days as against the required 5-7 doses a day.

“The drug was unavailable. On the presumption that the medicine is better available in government hospitals many patients were shifted from private to government hospitals. The drug situation eased up only in mid-June,” said a doctor, adding mucormycosis is near-100% fatal if not treated.