Black Fungus: 7K Cases and 219 Deaths

India is witnessing a huge spike in covid-triggered black fungus infection as over 7,000 people have been infected with the disease and over 200 have lost their lives. Mucormycosis, the “black fungus” is usually most aggressive in patients whose immune systems are weakened by other infections. Diabetics suffering from COVID-19 who are being given steroids have a high chance of being affected by mucormycosis.

Mucormycosis spores are found in soil, air and even in food. So far, Maharashtra has reported the highest number of black fungus cases and deaths which became a new worry for the health authorities. At least 7,250 people have been infected with Mucormycosis and killed 219 people in the country. As per the Gujarat health department, if the growth is on the sinus and brain region, symptoms can include one-sided facial swelling, headache, nasal or sinus congestion, fever, and black lesions on the nasal bridge or upper inside of the mouth that can quickly become more severe. 

It may also lead to eye pain and ultimately result in loss of vision if not treated immediately. If in the lung, symptoms may include fever, cough, chest pain and shortness of breath. Gujarat is the second worst-hit state in terms of fungus infection followed by Madhya Pradesh. Gujarat has reported 1,163 cases and 61 deaths whereas Madhya Pradesh has recorded 575 infections and 31 deaths. Ergo, the Centre on Thursday asked the states to declare it a notified disease. Telangana, Odisha, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana have already declared black fungus as a notified disease.  

Haryana has reported 268 cases and eight deaths, Delhi has recorded 203 cases and one death, Uttar Pradesh reported 169 cases and eight deaths, Bihar has recorded 103 cases and 2 deaths, Chhattisgarh has reported 101 infections and one death, Karnataka reported 97 cases and no death, Telangana has 90 cases and 10 deaths, as per the official date was given. Delhi AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria said that mucormycosis infection is on rising and the main reason is the misuse of steroids during Covid treatment especially in diabetic patients. 

Mucormycosis, aka black fungus, is caused by a group of molds called micromycetes and it is essential to identify the signs and symptoms before it turn dangerous.

Symptoms of Black Fungus aka mucormycosis

·        Facial Deformity

·        Headache

·        Facial pain

·        Nasal congestion

·        Loss of vision or pain in the eyes

·        Altered mental state, confusion

·        Swelling in cheeks and eyes

·        Toothache, loosening of teeth

·        Black crusts in the nose

Dos and Don’ts for black fungus in COVID patients

·        Never avoid the signs and symptoms of black fungus infection. It can be fatal if it reaches the brain.

·        Control hyperglycemia

·        Monitor blood glucose level post-COVID-19 discharge and also in diabetics

·        Use steroid judiciously – correct timing, correct dose, and duration

·        Use antibiotics/antifungals judiciously

·        Do not consider all the cases with a blocked nose as cases of bacterial sinusitis, particularly in the context of immunosuppression and/or COVID-19 patients on immunomodulators

·        Do not lose crucial time to initiate treatment for mucormycosis