Sunday Times 2
Fungal disease awareness week
View(s):Sri Lanka will mark Fungal Disease Awareness Week from October 7 to 11, with an Awareness Day on October 8. Medical specialists in various fields, including in microbiology and mycology, will discuss fungal infection management with multidisciplinary involvement, at the Neuro-trauma Auditorium of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, Colombo.
“With the burden of fungal infections increasing globally, aided by global warming and anti-microbial misuse, the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that more than one billion people worldwide get a fungal infection each year,” Joint Secretary of the Sri Lanka College of Microbiologists and Consultant Mycologist, National Cancer Institute, Dr Naamal Jayawardena said. Common fungal diseases include ringworm, nail infections and vaginal yeast infections, with some fungi causing pneumonias too.
Fungal diseases are often misdiagnosed which can delay treatment. Increasing anti-microbial resistance also limits treatment options. The CDC declared September 16-20 as Fungal Disease Awareness Week. Sri Lanka postponed the activities linked to this due to the election.