What is black fungus?

Even as the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, the country is in the grip of a new fear – the black fungus infection. The cases of black fungus are on the rise among COVID-19 patients in different parts of the country. But, what is black fungus?

A rare fungal infection

Black fungus’ or mucormycosis is a rare, aggressive, invasive fungal infection, which can be fatal if not detected early. As it shows up as black patches of skin or black lesions, it is called black fungus. Mucomycosis is caused by exposure to a group of fungi or moulds known as mucormycetes, which are commonly found in soil, compost, animal dung, and decaying organic matter. Most fungi are usually harmless, but when our immune system is compromised or weakened by disease or drugs, they start invading our tissues.

Black fungus and COVID-19 Mucomycosis affects the nose, eye, and sometimes the brain. It spreads through the nose and affects other parts of the body. According to health experts, it is mostly found in people who are recovering or have recovered from COVID-19 and those with poor immunity and uncontrolled diabetes.

Also patients on ventilator support and prolonged oxygen therapy are at high risk of contracting the fungal infection. Being detected in COVID-19 patients, mucormycosis is attributed to an excessive use of steroids in their treatment. Steroids are life-saving drugs used to treat critically ill COMID-19 patients, as they reduce inflammation in the lungs caused by the disease. But on the flip side, they also bring down immunity, thereby reducing the body’s ability to fight environmental pathogens. This is said to be the reason for the recent spurt in black fungus cases. If diagnosed early, the fungal infection can be cured completely, say doctors.

What are the symptoms?

According to health experts, the symptoms of mucomycosis include headache, fever, pain under the eye, redness of the eye, nasal or sinus congestion or black discharge, facial numbness, loosening of teeth, black areas inside the mouth or nose, double vision and partial loss of vision. Mucomycosis is not contagious. When diagnosed early, it can be treated with an anti fungal drug. Sometimes, surgery may be required as a life-saving measure to remove the affected part

What can be done?

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences has issued a set of guidelines in case of detecting black fungus in a patient Immediately consult an ENT, ophthalmologist or the doctor who has been treating the patient, monitor and control blood sugar in diabetics, regular treatment and follow-up, and avoid self medication.

Meanwhile, cases of white and yellow fungus are also being reported from parts of the country.

Picture Credit : Google

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