No need to fear black fungus: Health minister

Hours after the detection of two patients with black fungus in Dhaka, Health Minister Zahid Maleque has urged all not to be afraid of the disease.

"There is no need to panic over the black fungus. It can be prevented through awareness," the minister made the remark while inaugurating the Chinese vaccine at Dhaka Medical College Hospital today.

The minister said it after the authorities of the Birdem Hospital in Dhaka detected one Covid-19 patient with the rare black fungus and suspected another patient of having the same disease today.

 Meanwhile, black fungus is creating havoc across India with several states and Union Territories (UTs) reporting a sharp rise in cases.

Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, is found among people who have tested positive for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) or have recovered from it, and it affects the nose, eyes, and sinuses. Patients with kidney disease, cardiac and liver disorders are also at a high risk of getting infected.