Union Minister Sadananda Gowda said that nearly 9,000 people had been infected with COVID-induced mucromycosis or black fungus in the country and the central government has sent over 23,000 additional drugs used for its treatment to the affected states.

The central government has allowed 11 pharmaceutical companies in India to produce the drugs required to treat Black Fungus. 

Gujarat has been the worst hit state with 2,281 reported cases and has been allocated with 5,800 doses. Maharashtra will receive 5,090 doses followed by Andhra Pradesh, who will receive 2,300 doses. Delhi has reported 197 cases and will receive 670 doses for treating the patients.

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Blank Fungus affects the eyes, nose, jaws, and in some cases even the brain. Hundreds of cases have been reported in the country which is dealing with the second wave aftermath.

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Doctors say that the panic use of steroids to combat COVID-19 has caused the spread of Black Fungus. Coronavirus patients with diabetes and a weakened immune system are particularly vulnerable to Black Fungus.