‘Black Fungus’ could lead to vision loss: Medical expert

The ‘Black Fungus’ academically named ‘mucormycosis’ could damage to eyes and brains resulting in vision loss if immediate medical assistance is not sought, a medical expert said.

Consultant Medical Mycologist from Medical Research Institute, Colombo Dr. Primali Jayasekera said twelve COVID-19 patients have so far been diagnosed with ‘Black Fungus’, in the country.

“Two patients were initially reported from Ratnapura in June, three from Trincomalee General Hospital, four patients from Colombo National Hospital and one each from Karapitiya, Ratnapura and Kalubowila Teaching Hospitals by September,” she elaborated.

“All of them are diabetic patients. Hence, it is always important for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar level,” Dr. Jayasekera underlined.

“The fungi can be found around nose and eyes, there could also be a pain in the face when infected with black fungus,” she said.

Dr Jayasekara added this disease does not spread from person to person and added people whose immune system is very low are vulnerable to get infected by the disease. (Sheain Fernandopulle)