Mucormycosis (Fungal Infection) - What do we need to know

Hello friends, goodevening! I hope everyone's safe and sound. I just want to share this information about this new threat called Mucormycosis or Black Fungus disease.

Mucormycosis a fungal infection, and it is a new concern now amongst the Covid positive and Covid-recovered people. According to the government sources, around 12, 000 people had already been affected by this fungal infection in the country. Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana recorded the highest number of thisv rare fungal infection. Some patients have lost their eyesight. Many have died due to realted complications.

People catch mucormycosis by coming in contact with the fungal spores in the environment. It can also develop on the skin after the fungus enters the skin through a cut, scrape, burn, or other type of skin trauma.

The disease is being detected among patients who are recovering or have recovered from COVID-19. Moreover, anyone who is diabetic and whose immune system is not functioning well needs to be on the guard against this.

According to an advisory issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research, the following conditions in COVID-19 patients increase the risk of mucormycosis infection:

1. Uncontrolled diabetes
2. Weakening of immune system due to use of steroids
3. Prolonged ICU/hospital stay
4. Co-morbidities / post organ transplant / cancer
   Voriconazole therapy (used to treat serious fungal infections)

Symptoms of rhinocerebral (sinus and brain) mucormycosis include:

1. One-sided facial swelling
2. Headache
3. Nasal or sinus congestion
4. Black lesions on nasal bridge or upper inside of mouth that quickly become more severe
5. Fever

Difficult times. Stay Safe !

Sources: 1. Press Information Bureau (pib.gov.in)
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (