STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The State Health Department doesn't feel it necessary to declare black fungus an epidemic disease, and the department has a strong reason to back its stance.
This is despite the Union Health Ministry appealing to the States to declare black fungus a 'notifiable disease' under the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897. Following the plea from the Union Ministry, many States of the country have already declared black fungus an epidemic disease. [Also Read: Black Fungus Case Confirmed in Silchar Medical College & Hospital ]
When black fungus took its first toll in the State, at the instruction of the State Health Department, a five-member committee with the heads of departments of the GMCH (Gauhati Medical College and Hospital) was formed to delve deep into the matter. The committee doesn't feel it necessary to declare black fungus an epidemic disease.
In the presence of Health Minister Keshab Mahanta, one of the members of the committee Dr Basanta Hazarika, Professor of Pulmonary Medicines, said, "Black fungus is a rare disease that occurs in one in around 1.50 lakh people. It doesn't attack people in normal health, nor does it have any direct link to COVID-19. COVID patients with comorbidities like diabetes may get infected with black fungus. It has both injections and medicines. It doesn't have any valid reasons to be declared an epidemic."
However, the State Health Department has published an SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for black fungus with details of the symptoms and the ways to avoid it...
(i.) Use masks if you are visiting a dusty construction site;
(ii.) Wear shoes, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts and gloves if you handle soil (gardening), moss or manure;
(iii.) Maintain personal hygiene including thorough scrub bath; and
(iv.) Seek immediate medical attention in case of developing any or combination of symptoms like nasal blockage, pain in the cheekbones and eyes, blackish nasal discharge, double vision, headache with fever and blood-stained sputum.