Kathmandu, May 11. In the past few days, a significant number of COVID-19 patients in India have been diagnosed with an extremely dangerous infection called “mucormycosis” or “black fungus”.

What is mucormycosis?

Mucormycosis (or, Black Fungus) is rare but devastating fungal infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes. These organisms are mainly found in decaying organic matter such as spoiled bread, rotting vegetables, decaying trees etc. 

When a person inhales the spores from the fungi, the spores reach nasal sinuses and cause infection. The infection then grows to eyes, upper jaws, brain and lungs.

Even with aggressive treatment, mucormycosis has a very high death rate (upto 50 percent).

Vulnerable groups

The people with chronic conditions such as Diabetes,AIDS and Cancer are most vulnerable because they have weakened immune systems.

Also, the people who have undergone recent surgeries, or are in medications(including chemotherapy) that lower the body’s ability to fight diseases. 

COVID induced Black Fungus in India

Doctors in India are treating serious COVID patients with steroid therapies. One on hand, these therapies are life saving but on the other hand, it weakens the immune system of the patients. 

COVID patients and survivors having weakened immune systems are now being diagnosed with black fungus. 

The cases are rising in states of India including Maharashtra, Odisha and Delhi. Patients having diabetes make up a large percentage of India’s mucormycosis cases. 

Mumbai-based eye surgeon Akshay Nair told BBC that he treated 40 mucormycosis patients in April, the majority of whom died or needed immediate surgical intervention, such as the removal of an infected eye, causing blindness.

The Indian Central government on Monday released an advisory for screening, diagnosis and management of the disease.

Symptoms

Headache, nasal irritation, facial pain, blurred vision or pain in the eyes, swelling in the cheeks and eyes, and dark crusts in the nose are all common symptoms of the disease.