Expert warns of third wave of Covid in Maharashtra

Covid statistics in Maharastra shows positive signs of decline. Dr Sanjay Oak, a member of the Maharashtra Covid Task Force Committee in conversation with ETV Bharat said that mortality rate in the state is high as diabetic patients are higher in number.

Thane: While the country grapples with the second wave of Covid, showing signs of solace, the number of Covid cases appear to be declining in Maharashtra. In conversation with ETV Bharat, Dr Sanjay Oak, a member of the Maharashtra Covid Task Force Committee said the second wave of Covid has not yet completely subsided. The number of patients recuperating is increasing. But it is not yet time for a sigh of relief as the statistics flickers, he said.

Question: Has the third wave of Covid hit Amravati and Buldhana districts of Maharashtra?

Answer: It is likely that the third wave of Covid would hit Maharashtra. The number of patients is higher in 17 districts of Maharashtra and the mortality rate is also high.

Question: While the number of cases declines, the mortality rate is still high, why?

Answer: People are staying at home and treating Covid after developing symptoms. They are treating themselves only with home remedies. Moreover, fear of Covid aggravates the issue and deaths are increasing. Patients reach the hospital only when the condition becomes critical. Adverse circumstances led to their death. In addition, the number of patients with diabetes is also high in the state, increasing the death rate.

Question: What measures have been taken in Mumbai, Pune, and across Maharashtra for the third wave?

Answer: The second wave is still in Maharashtra and the third wave is likely to hit by July. Children are likely to be adversely affected during the third wave. The government of Maharashtra has also formed a task force for preparedness.

Question: Could you elaborate on the impact of the third wave on children?

Answer: In this regard, meetings of this task force have also been held and the number of beds in hospitals will have to be increased. Ventilators should be separately allotted for small children. The situation may become grim and a separate hospital will have to be built for children. A separate section in a Covid hospital should be allotted to admit children along with their mothers to assist them. The pace of vaccination should be accelerated.

Question: Why a separate task force is deployed to tackle black fungus?

Answer: Black fungus is not a contagious disease. Covid patients are likely to get infected with black fungus. We can also see this disease as covid after effect. The task force has given different guidelines to the state government especially on the disease. If proper care is taken then we can definitely prevent this disease.

Question: White fungus is reported in Bihar. What is the probability of getting infected with white fungus post-Covid?

Answer: White fungus is not a different disease that has occurred. The disease reported in Bihar is similar to the one surfaced here. Yes, it is likely to affect after getting infected with Covid.

Question: What is the difference between black fungus and white fungus? How to deal with it?

Answer: There is no such thing as two types of fungus: black and white. Black fungus is basically named after its qualities. This fungus is basically white or gray in color. When this fungus forms in the body, it kills the cells in the area where it occurs turning the area black in colour. The disease occurs on the side of the nose as well as on the side of the eyes as well as lungs, brain and intestine. Proper precautions after getting infected with Covid can help us to keep this black fungus disease at bay.