India Sees Decrease in Covid Cases, ‘Black Fungus’ Adds To Woes
As coronavirus cases are decreasing in India, Mucormycosis, a rare fungus disease also known as “Black Fungus”, has been declared an epidemic in major Indian states. With a mortality rate of 50%, Black Fungus presents different challenges for people, doctors, and the government as well.
Though it is not a new disease, India recorded thousands of cases of Black Fungus affecting recovered or recovering covid-19 patients. The first case of Black Fungus in children reported in a 13-years old child from Ahmedabad. Doctors suspect there may be a link with the covid-19 steroids.
Maharashtra reported over 1,500 cases of this rare infection, whereas Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh have 150, 500, and 57 cases of Black Fungus. Covid-associated Mucromuycosis has infected over 2,000 people in 7 Indian states.
- A rare fungal disease — black fungus, is expanding amidst the second wave of covid-19 in India.
- After the Oxygen crisis, several Indian states ran out of ‘Amphotericin-B’ — the drug used to treat Black Fungus.
- The government has also taken the necessary measures to boost the production of ‘Amphotericin-B.’
- Five Indian companies will now start the production of this antifungal drug.
- As per ICMR guidelines, patients with comorbidities or those taking covid-19 treatment are most likely to be susceptible to the ills of black fungus.
- Mucormycosis will need to be reported to the center for better tracking & management.
- Delhi’s CM Kejriwal has urged people to use steroids in COVID-19 treatment in a controlled manner.
- COVID-19 patients who were on ICU or Oxygen for a prolonged period are suspected of diagnosing this deadly disease faster.
- Mucormycosis or Black Fungus can also develop on the skin after the fungus enters through a cut, scrape, burn, or other skin trauma type.
Here’s everything we know About The New Epidemic — ‘Black Fungus.’
Mucormycosis, aka black fungus, is a problem caused by a fungal infection. People can be infected by coming in contact with environmental fungal spores. The fungus can enter a person’s body through the mouth, nails, eyes, or any cut or any other wound on the body.
The disease has commonly affected patients who have recovered or are taking treatment of COVID-19. Moreover, any diabetic or whose immune system is not functioning correctly can be affected by this disease.
Common Symptoms of Black Fungus
This rare infection starts to manifest as skin infection first in the air pockets located behind our forehead, nose, cheekbones, and in between the eyes and teeth. It then expands to your eyes, lungs and can even spread to the brain resulting in various mental disorders. The black fungus can even lead to blackening over the nose and blurred or double vision. You may look for the following signs:
- Abnormal black discharge or crust, or bleeding from the nose
- Nasal blockage
- Headache
- Eye pain
How To Prevent Black Fungus?
The government has shared a few guidelines to prevent black fungus amid the covid-19 pandemic.
- Use a double mask if you’re visiting dusty construction sites
- Wear shoes, long trousers, long sleeve t-shirts, gloves while handling soil, moss, or manure.
- Maintain personal hygiene and don’t go out with open wounds or cuts on the body
- Control hyperglycemia
- Use steroids judiciously
- Control diabetes and discontinue immunomodulating drugs
If you just recovered from covid-19 or are currently under treatment, you must closely monitor and should not miss any warning signs and symptoms as mentioned above.