Nepal’s ministry of health and population has confirmed ten instances of black fungus infection or Mucormycosis in the country. Eight of the patients have contacted the authorities, said ministry spokesperson Dr. Krishna Prasad Poudel.
 
The infected are from Nepalgunj, Birgunj and Kathmandu, the ministry added.

The mucormycosis infection is a very rare but serious infection most likely caused by mucor mold (mucormycetes). The symptoms include fever, headache, chest pain, blocked nose, breathing difficulties, pain and pressure around the eyes, blurred or double vision. It is said to be linked with COVID 19.

Patients may cough up blood and develop a blackish coloration around the nose. The disease is a fungal disorder wherein in some severe cases surgeons have to remove patients' eyes and jawbones to control the infection.

The infection has generally attacked diabetes patients and those with a low immune system between the age of 45 and 65 and those who have used antibiotics or steroids for long, The Himalayan Times reported.

Preventive measures against the infection are wearing clean and dry facemasks and gloves, washing hands regularly, using sanitizers and cleaning the nose with salty water.

(SAM)