Moist weather promotes growth of Black Fungus: Experts

North Bengal is currently reeling under the dual crisis of Covid-19 and Black Fungus also known as Mucormycosis. The people who have recovered from Covid-19 are mostly affected by Black Fungus. Physicians and researchers believe that the current moist weather in North Bengal is the main reason behind the rise in the number of Mucormycosis cases.

Siliguri (West Bengal): North Bengal is currently reeling under the dual crisis of Covid-19 and Black Fungus also known as Mucormycosis. The people who have recovered from Covid-19 are mostly affected by Black Fungus. Physicians and researchers believe that the current moist weather in North Bengal is the main reason behind the rise in the number of Mucormycosis cases.

According to them, the moist weather is because of the continuous rainfall for the last few days, which is spreading the Black Fungus virus. Bright sunshine is hardly available in North Bengal in recent months. In rainy climate Black Fungus becomes more transmissive.

North Bengal Medical College & Hospital (NBMCH) has reported 19 deaths from Mucormycosis. Since the moist weather in North Bengal is aiding the growth of funguses, the physicians have advised people in the region to avoid wet and moist areas as far as possible.

The tea garden and nursery workers have been advised to wear full-sleeve dresses and gloves while on duty. NBMCH's Dean, Sandip Sengupta said that since Black Fungus becomes active in moist weather, proper care should be taken to keep the interiors clean and dry as far as possible.

Dr. Kalyan Khan of NBMCH said that besides common people, individuals who have recovered from Covid-19 or other ailments are more vulnerable to Mucormycosis. "They will have to take maximum precaution during this period and avoid wet and moist places. This will help in protecting themselves from Mucormycosis," he added.

The professor of Microbiology & Biotechnology Department of North Bengal University, Ronodhir Chakraborty also said that moist and wet weather makes the condition appropriate for the growth of Black Fungus. He added, "Funguses are everywhere and are powerful. It is advisable to stay in clean and dry places and if necessary keep the living rooms dry using room heaters. This will control the humidity inside and prevent the fungus."