What is Mucormycosis or the black fungus disease?

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Mucormycosis is a rare fungal disease.  It is caused by a group of fungus called micromycetes.

This is usually present in the soil, manure, etc. The earlier presentation of this disease has been very rare. People with immune-compromised conditions or long-standing chronic diseases have shown the presence of this disease. Any long-standing infection often lowers the body’s immunity to fight the disease.

But with the advent of the second Covid wave in India, many patients have shown the presentation of Mucormycosis. This is a fatal infection that often spreads to the brain.

What have been the risk factors for Black fungus disease?

 

  1. Cases of recently treated Covid infection.
  2. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
  3. HIV/Aids infection
  4. Heavy steroids usage for a longer period of time
  5. Prolonged hospital stay.

What are the symptoms?

  • Recent tooth mobility
  • Pain or swelling around the eyes or nose
  • Any rapidly progressing ulcer in the mouth
  • Blackish discolouration around the eyes or nose
  • Watering from the eyes

If you have recently recovered from Covid and have any of these symptoms then immediately visit your doctor and do not hesitate to get the possible investigation done. The progression of this disease is very fast and it has a high fatality. If detected early, few measures can be taken to control the spread of the infection.

 

What should you be aware of if you have recovered from Covid?

 

  • Monitor you blood sugar level
  • Do not visit any dirty or dusty areas
  • Avoid mopping floors
  • Take adequate rest
  • Do not self medicate

 

If any of the above symptoms appear, visit your doctor immediately. Stay safe everyone