Set to be five times the size of DXB, Al Maktoum International will span 70 square-km
aviation3 hours ago
Doctors have to be prepared for a spurt in mucormycosis or black fungus, a rare fungal infection, including among Covid-19 patients. Dr Randeep Guleria, director, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) said on Saturday there was an urgent need to control and monitor blood sugar levels of Covid patients.
Over 90 per cent of mucormycosis patients are diabetics with steroid intake. “Hospitals in Gujarat have set up more than one ward just to manage patients with mucormycosis and are now forming combined teams with infectious disease specialists, ENT surgeons, neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons to operate upon these persons,” he said. “Almost all patients had taken steroids. More than 90-95 per cent were diabetics. Covid itself leads to lymphopenia, predisposing patients to opportunistic fungal infections.”
According to him, there are nearly 20 patients with mucormycosis at AIIMS Delhi. Unlike in the first wave of the pandemic, fungal infection develops even in patients who are battling Covid, he added. “We are seeing mucormycosis happening now even when the patient is Covid positive,” revealed the AIIMS chief. “During the first wave, it would occur later on. Now, we are having two sets of patients: Covid patients with mucormycosis who we are keeping in the Covid ward, and those who become Covid negative and continue to have mucormycosis. And the management strategy becomes even more challenging because of these two sets of patients.”
Health minister Harsh Vardhan has also urged people about the early detection and management of mucormycosis, which has been reported among many Covid-19 patients in Maharashtra.
The Indian Council of Medical Research said several conditions in Covid-19 patients increase the risk of mucormycosis infections. They include uncontrolled diabetes, weakening of the immune system due to use of steroids, prolonged ICU/hospital stay, co-morbidities, post-organ transplant or cancer, and Voriconazole therapy, which is used to treat serious fungal infections.
Set to be five times the size of DXB, Al Maktoum International will span 70 square-km
aviation3 hours ago
Officers found hidden compartments in her luggage, prompting a thorough examination that revealed the illicit substance
crime3 hours ago
In recognition of his honesty and integrity, Dubai police awarded Ali Jamal Al Balushi with a certificate of appreciation
uae3 hours ago
Strong demand is outpacing supply at a faster rate this year than estimated, especially after the UAE’s removal from FATF Grey List
uae4 hours ago
The initiative is expected to boost public transport usage
uae4 hours ago
Authorities urged people to wear face masks and glasses when doing outdoor activities
world5 hours ago
In 10 years, all operations of Dubai International Airport will be transferred to Al Maktoum International
aviation5 hours ago