BLACK FUNGUS OR MUCORMYCOSIS

In India in recent times, those who have tested corona positive are gradually recovering, is a fungal disease called Mucormycosis or black fungus. with hundreds of cases being reported in states like Gujarat, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi, it has triggered an additional wave of panic among the general public.


WHAT IS MUCORMYCOSIS?

Mucormycosis is a deadly fungal infection. this infection is caused by a group of fungi called mucormycetes. these are found in the environment and can often be seen on rotting food.

image:-BBC

Mucormycosis is a deadly fungal infection found in some covid patients with uncontrolled diabetes and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay.

How does the infection start and progress:

The central government in an advisory said the fungal infection mainly affects people who are on medication that reduces their ability to fight environmental pathogens.

"Mucormycosis, if uncared for, may turn fatal(causing death). Sinuses or lungs of such individuals get affected after fungal spores are inhaled from the air,"

SYMPTOMS:

Warning symptoms include pain and redness around the eyes and nose, fever, headache, coughing shortness of breath, bloody vomits, and altered mental status.

IN COVID PATIENTS

Sinusitis, one side facial pain, blackish discoloration over the bridge of the nose, toothache, blurred or double vision with pain, chest pain, worsening respiratory symptoms.