We’ve seen reports in India of infections with mucormycosis, often termed “black fungus”, in patients with Covid-19, or who are recovering from the coronavirus.
What are symptoms of Black Fungus?
- blackening or discolouration over the nose,
- blurred or double vision, chest pain,
- breathing difficulties and coughing blood.
What causes Black Fungus?
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 types of skin trauma. The disease is being detected among patients who are recovering or have recovered from COVID-19.
Is it fatal?
Cases of mucormycosis, or “black fungus,” a potentially serious condition that causes blurred or double vision, chest pain and breathing difficulties, have surged in India, mostly among COVID-19 patients. At least 8,848 such cases have been found across the country as of May 21, according to the govt.
Black fungus can turn dangerous if left untreated, doctors said amid reports of re-emergence of the rare deadly fungal infection among Covid-19 patients.
How rare is this disease??
The condition is usually rare, infecting for example about five to 10 people a year in the U.K., a country of 67 million, said David Denning, professor of infectious diseases in global health at the University of Manchester in England and an expert in fungal infections.
How to prevent black fungus?
Wearing masks is compulsory. Fungal spores found in air can easily enter the body through the nose. This makes masking up doubly important, in preventing infection. People who work at or visit construction sites should specifically pay attention to this.
Treatment:
Senior Doctors of Delhi on May 21 said that black fungus can be treated if diagnosed early and it is a rare infection found in COVID-19 patients.According to the Health Minister of India, the medicines to treat the infection cannot be purchased from medical stores as this cannot be treated at home. Hence, It is suggested that if you see any symptoms, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
For the best guidance and treatment book an appointment at Radix Healthcare.
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