While India is battling with the deadly second wave of coronavirus, another disease is being observed in Covid19 patients. Mucormycosis, commonly known as Black Fungus has been reported in many patients who are recovering or recovered from covid19, especially in Maharashtra.
It is a rare but concerning condition that reduces a patient's ability to fight environmental pathogens. Considering the significance of the early diagnosis of infection, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has tweeted ways and advice to manage it.
His tweet read, “#Mucormycosis, commonly known as #BlackFungus has been observed in a number of #COVID19 patients recently. Awareness and early diagnosis can help curb the spread of fungal infection. Here’s how to detect and manage it.” He shared slides on the information about fungal infection like its symptoms and required action after someone contracts the infection.
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What is Mucormycosis and how can one contract the infection
Mucormycosis/ Black Fungus is any fungal infection caused by fungi that affects people with medical health problems and reduces their ability to fight environmental pathogens. People coming in contact with fungal spores in the environment can develop mucormycosis. The infection can also develop on the skin after the fungus enter skin through a cut, scrape, burn or other skin injuries.
People who have co-morbities, voriconazole therapy, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression by steroids and prolonged ICU stay can easily contract the infection.
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Possible symptoms of Mucormycosis
As suggested by Health Minister, pain or redness around the eyes, fever, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, bloody vomit and altered mental status can be the symptoms of the infection.
Treatment of Mucormycosis
The infection might begin with a skin infection but can spread to other parts of the body. Its treatment involves surgically removing all dead and infected tissues. In some cases, the infection may result in loss of the upper jaw or even the eye.
The cure may involve a 4-6 weeks course of intravenous anti-fungal therapy. As the infection affects various body parts, the treatment requires a team of microbiologists, internal medicine specialists, intensivist neurologists, ENT specialists, and others.