Rare case of Post Dengue Mucormycosis reported at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi

On this Dr Suresh Singh Naruka, Senior Consultant ENT, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, who is leading the treatment of this patient said, "A rare case of black fungus (mucormycosis) came into our view when Mr. Talib Mohammad came to the hospital reporting sudden loss of vision from one eye post dengue fever. It is rarest of the rare to see mucormycosis as a post recovery complication in a dengue patient, as this condition is generally seen in people who have a history of diabetes, compromised immunity and various other infections. A deadly infection caused by a group of fungus called Mucor. This fungus invades into the healthy tissues of the nose, sinuses, eye and brain so rapidly that any delay in diagnosis and management can lead to adverse long term complications."

Adding further Dr Atul Ahuja, Senior Consultant ENT and Head & Neck Surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi said, "Diagnosing and managing a case of rhino-orbital (involving nose and eye) mucormycosis in a patient who has just recovered from dengue fever is very important, as even after best treatment, patients of mucormycosis can lose their eyesight permanently and in a state of an aggressive infection, removal of eye becomes necessary for preventing any further spread of infection."

With regard to the same, Dr Nishant Rana, Registrar, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi said, "Before coming to the hospital the patient had an episode of Nasal Bleeding as a complication owing to Dengue 15 days prior to his recovery, wherein he noted low count of platelets with no transfusion history. Mucormycosis in his case is a resultant factor of compromised immunity owing to Dengue."

Recently during the second wave of COVID-19, a large number of cases of black fungus have been noticed throughout the country after COVID-19 infection in patients suffering with chronic diabetes. Mucormycosis post dengue is a new observation and hence patients having a recent history of dengue should remain actively updated about their health and consult a healthcare expert immediately after noticing any new symptoms.