Siliguri, 24th January: Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, has resurfaced in North Bengal, raising concerns. A woman from Chathat in Uttar Dinajpur, affected by the disease, underwent a successful surgery at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH).
The patient, identified as Tuli Begum, was reported to have a sinus issue and had undergone surgery at NBMCH last month. Following a tissue biopsy, mucormycosis infection was detected, prompting her urgent admission to the hospital. On Thursday, surgery was conducted to remove the fungus from her body successfully.
Mucormycosis was widespread during the Covid-19 pandemic, claiming many lives in North Bengal. The infection had subsided post-pandemic, and only two cases were reported in 2023-24. However, the reappearance of the disease at the beginning of 2025 has sparked fresh concerns.
According to Radheshyam Mahato, Head of the ENT Department at NBMCH, around 39 cases of mucormycosis were recorded during the Covid period. While cases were almost nonexistent in the past year, the current resurgence of the disease is worrying. He confirmed that the recent surgery was successful, and the patient is recovering well.