Mucormycosis: The Black Fungus Affecting COVID Patients in India

Along with the surge in COVID-19 cases, an escalation in the cases of black fungus also known as mucormycosis has been noticed across Indian. Mucormycosis is a deadly fungal infection that is affecting covid patients. A number of cases have been seen in patients with uncontrolled diabetes and prolonged intensive care unit (ICU). The black fungus is quite a rare infection and it affects the brain and lungs. Several deaths in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh and Thane in Maharashtra have also been reported due to the black fungus.

Recently, the government issued an advisory about the disease. The advisory said, “the fungal infection mainly affects people who are on medication that reduces their ability to fight environmental pathogens.”

Along with the states like Delhi, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, Odisha also reported its first case of mucormycosis recently. As per the sources, “Mucormycosis affects the sinuses, the brain, and the lungs and can be life-threatening in diabetic or severely immune-compromised individuals such as cancer patients or people with HIV/AIDS.”

What is mucormycosis?

Mucormycosis aka black fungus is a dangerous infection caused by a group of moulds known as mucormycetes, which are found naturally in the environment. It can lead to serious health complications in a patient who is suffering from existing health problems. Inhalation is the main door through which the fungal spore enters the body. Open cut or wound can also be an entrance for the fungus.

Symptoms include:

• Headache
• Fever
• Pain under the eyes
• Nasal or sinus congestion
• Partial loss of vision
• Pain in chest

As per the doctors, “people may also experience coughing, shortness of breath, bloody vomits, and altered mental status.”

Here are some facts about the black fungus

• Black Fungus is caused by a fungus named mucor and is found on surfaces that are generally wet.
• Mucormycosis is largely affecting people who are suffering from diabetes.
• As per the doctors, “The fungus infection is not novel but it is escalating among Covid patients because the usage of steroids raises sugar level and medications decrease the immunity of the patient.
• The treatment is available in the country and it involves injections for 21 days. ₹9,000 per day is the basic cost of the injections.
• As per the Health and Family Welfare Department, the situation and cases of the black fungus are being observed and the treatment for mucormycosis is available in the state.
• People with health conditions like HIV/AIDS, uncontrolled diabetes, mellitus cancers, organ transplant, long-term corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy have a high risk of developing this disease.

Footnote

Take care of your immune system and do include healthy foods and spices in your diet to decrease the risk of both COVID-19 and other health ailments. Make sure to consult a doctor if you are suffering from any of the symptoms written above.

Stay home, stay safe!