Steroids the ‘culprit’ behind Black Fungus, will be administered only in second week: Karnataka Health Minister

Addressing the media on Wednesday after a meeting with experts on the issue, Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar said there is more clarity now, and it has been found that administering steroids in the first week of treatment for Covid-19 is one of the main reasons for the infection. “We need to avoid this and steroids should be administered only from the second week. There are about 95 cases of Black Fungus which are being treated at Bangalore Medical College, of which 75 have either uncontrolled diabetes or have been administered steroids during Covid treatment. Therefore, we have decided to come up with a discharge policy to prevent the infection,” he said.

Tabs on all post-Covid patients

“During discharge, Covid patients will be tested for any fungus infection and will also be subjected to an MRI scan if necessary. All district hospitals have been instructed to have a dedicated post-Covid ward. After one week of discharge, Covid-recovered persons should get themselves tested at the ward or they can also get a tele-consultation. Every Covid-recovered person will be contacted to check for any symptoms of Black Fungus. If any symptoms are found, they will be called to hospitals for further diagnosis,” said Dr Sudhakar.

The Minister added that post-recovery, patients will be contacted for about 7-15 days based on their condition. “It has been found in the preliminary report that the infection is reported in small hospitals, taluk hospitals and those under home isolation in some cases. We will get more clarity in the final report. The committee headed by Dr Ambika will soon submit the final report,” the Minister said.