Kathmandu, July 5. Two months after the black fungus outbreak, new cases of avascular necrosis (or, bone death) have been reported in the financial capital of India. 

Three young(under 40) covid-survivors in the Hinduja Hospital of Mumbai have been diagnosed with both death conditions. Medical director of the hospital, Dr. Sanjay Agarwala told Times of India, “These patients developed pain in their femur bone (the highest part of the thigh bone) and, since they were doctors, they recognised the symptoms and rushed for treatment.”

Medical experts have warned that India might witness a bone death outbreak in the next few months. This is because, the common factor between avascular necrosis and black fungus is the use of steroids in COVID-19 patients.

Avascular necrosis can be understood better when we have an in depth understanding on how mucormycosis outbreak emerged in India. 

COVID induced Black Fungus in India

Doctors in India are treating serious COVID patients with steroid therapies. One on hand, these therapies are life saving but on the other hand, it weakens the immune system of the patients. 

COVID patients and survivors having weakened immune systems are vulnerable to various infections, such as black fungus (or, mucormycosis). In such a situation, various fungal, yeast infections as well as conditions like avascular necrosis are triggered. 

In April, Black Fungus emerged in states of India including Maharashtra, Odisha and Delhi. Thousands of COVID survivors treated with live saving steroidal drugs contracted the infection. A significant number of patients needed immediate surgical intervention, such as the removal of an infected eye, causing blindness.

What is Avascular necrosis?

The destruction of bone tissue owing to a lack of blood flow is known as avascular necrosis. It’s also known as osteonecrosis, and it can cause small fractures in the bone, and perhaps even final collapse.

Blood flow to a section of bone might be disrupted by a fractured bone or a dislocated joint. Long-term usage of high-dose steroid medicines and heavy alcohol use are also linked to avascular necrosis.

Vulnerable groups

The people with chronic conditions such as Diabetes, AIDS and Cancer are most vulnerable because they have weakened immune systems. Also, the people who have undergone recent surgeries, or are in medications(including chemotherapy) that lower the body’s ability to fight diseases.