A patient at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL) has been diagnosed with the Black Fungus infection and is currently in a critical state, The Morning learns. Speaking to The Morning, Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr Hemantha Herath stated that the patient has underlying illnesses. “There is one patient reported to have Black Fungus at the NHSL. The patient is immunocompromised and has an underlying disease. In order to stop the spread of this Fungus, proper preventive measures need to be practiced. Mask hygiene, handwashing and protective eye covers need to be used. This is especially important in an ICU environment,” he said. He further went on to say that Black Fungus is generally not observed in healthy individuals as it mostly affects people with comorbidities such as diabetes and renal failure. Additionally, Dr Herath clarified that Black Fungus needs a damp and dark environment to thrive, thus nasal and oral passages are considered choice environments for the Black Fungus to breed in. In conclusion, Dr Herath confirmed that Black Fungus spores are sometimes airborne, but only the immunocompromised must make an extra effort to protect themselves.