A state of fear and panic over 'black fungus' is spreading in Egypt.
On Saturday, Dr. Hany El Nazer, a consultant dermatologist and former President at National Research Centre Community, took to Facebook to address the subject.
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Dr. Hany ElNazer give advice about Black Fungus[/caption]
El Nazer noted that there was no need for the state of worry, fear, and tension circulating on social media over the black fungus.
The Egyptian scientist explained briefly that the fungus grows in moist soil and on decomposing fruits and vegetables, noting that scientists and doctors, especially dermatologists and thoracic surgeons, have known about it for a long time.
“The fungus sometimes affects, and put ten lines under the [sometimes] word, some people who suffer from immunodeficiency diseases such as AIDS, people with uncontrolled diabetes, or those who take strong immunosuppressant drugs, high amounts of cortisone, or long-term antibiotics,” he added.
El Nazer stressed that the black fungus infection is rare, which has recently has affected a few Coronavirus patients in India, noting that Indian scientists are still searching for the cause, whether it was due to the drugs that the patient is taking or because of their weak immunity.
He noted that the disease may affect the skin after exposure to scratches or wounds and appears in the form of pimples, blisters, and ulcers with accompanying black color. It may also affect the mucous membranes of the nose with black color.
The black fungus can also infect the sinuses and cause swelling and inflammation of the face and be a dark color. It may affect the eye and cause severe infections and be black in color as well as may affect the mouth and leaves a black color.
It may also affect the trachea and lungs, which is accompanied by a severe and painful cough and may reach the blood vessels.
El Nazer noted that the black fungus can be treated with Amphotercin B, which is administered under medical supervision at an intravenous injection over 4 to 6 weeks.
He affirmed there was no need to worry, noting there have been no cases of the fungus infection in any hospitals in Egypt, so far.
El Nazer also addressed the circulating claims the late prominent actor Samir Ghanem was infected by the black fungus.
He stated that the Ministry of Health officially confirmed that it has not been proven that Ghanem was suffering from it.
El Nazer concluded by reassuring that the black fungus cannot be transmitted from one person to another.
Contributed by Yara Sameh
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