Facts which you have to know about "BLACK FUNGUS": Mucormycosis

Also Read- Covid-Induced BLACK FUNGAL | How deadly it is? | New Threat to covid patient?

In this article we tell you about "Black fungus facts which is important to know for everyone" 

Now in India several states declare "BLACK FUNGUS" as "EPIDEMIC". so first we talk about black fungus.

What is Black fungus?

Black fungus is a rare and serious infection which is caused by Mucormycetes (Group of Molds). It mainly affects the people, having a low immunity or who have a health problem 

Addressing a press conference on Friday Niti Aayog Member (Health) V K Paul said "The fungal infection called mucormycosis is being found in patients of COVID-19 disease. It is caused by a fungus named mucor, which is found on wet surfaces. It, to a large extent, is happening to people who have diabetes. It is very uncommon in those who are not diabetic. There is no big outbreak and we are monitoring it".

 FACTS ABOUT BLACK FUNGUS 

1) 'Black Fungus' is caused by a fungus named "mucor", which is mostly found on wet surfaces.

2) Mucormycosis, is happening to people who have diabetes. It is very uncommon in those who are not diabetic.

3) Cases of mucormycosis is causing blindness or other serious issues.

4) This disease is not new but is on the rise among Covid patients because the use of steroids elevates sugar level and some medicines suppress the patients' immunity, said Dr Tatyarao Lahane, who heads the state government's Directorate of Medical Education and Research.

5) The 'Black Fungus' is present in the environment, and those with suppressed immunity or co- morbidities are more vulnerable to infection.

6) Symptoms of mucormycosis include headache, fever, pain under the eyes, nasal or sinus congestion and partial loss of vision.

7) The treatment involves injections for 21 days. The basic cost of the injections is around ₹9,000 per day.

9) In an official statement, the Health and Family Welfare Department said that the situation is being monitored and the treatment for mucormycosis is available in the state.

10) Conditions like HIV/AIDS, uncontrolled diabetes, mellitus cancers, organ transplant, long-term corticosteroid and immunosuppressive therapy increase the risk of this disease and the predisposing factor for most of the cases prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it said.

11) Covid-19 patients more susceptible to contracting the fungal infection include those who used steroids during their virus treatment, and those who had prolonged stays in hospital ICUs, the ICMR added.

 Also read- Dos and Don'ts of Mucormycosis (Black Fungus) | New threat to COVID19 patient?