Kathmandu, June 3 – So far 10 people have been infected with black fungus in the country, confirmed the Ministry of Health and Population.Of them, eight have come in contact and the remaining two are yet to be contacted, said the Ministry’s spokesperson Dr Krishna Prasad Poudel. The infected are from Nepalgunj, Birgunj and Kathmandu. The infection is said to be linking with COVID-19 infection.

Symptoms include fever, headache, chest pain, blocked nose, breathing difficulties, pain and pressure around the eyes, blurred or double vision. Patients may cough up blood and develop a blackish colouration around the nose. The disease is a fungal disorder wherein in severe and some cases surgeons have to remove patients’ eyes and jawbones to control the infection.

The infection has generally attacked diabetes patients and those with low immune system between the age of 45 and 65 and those who have used antibiotics or steroids for long. Preventable measures against the infection are wearing clean and dry facemasks and gloves, washing hands regularly, using sanitizers and cleaning nose with salty water. (RSS)