Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, has been identified among those who have recovered from Covid-19 in Gujarat. The number of such cases has risen as the number of coronavirus infections in Gujarat has steadily increased.
After recovering from Covid-19, at least eight people in Surat were confirmed to have lost their eyesight due to mucormycosis (MM). The sudden loss of vision needed them to be admitted to hospitals.
Surat has documented at least 40 cases of mucormycosis, or black fungus, in the last 15 days, with eight people losing their sight.
The infection, which is caused by Covid-19, is treatable, but if left untreated or treated late, it can result in vision loss and, in some cases, increased mortality.
MUCORMYCOSIS
Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, is a rare fungal infection, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, mucormycosis (formerly known as zygomycosis) is a severe infection caused by a fungus or mold called mucormycetes. Molds can be found in the environment.
Since inhaling fungal spores from the air, it most often affects the sinuses or lungs. It may also happen as a result of a cut, a burn, or some form of skin injury.
When SYMPTOMS appear?
Mucormycosis, or black fungus, symptoms occur two to three days after a person recovers from Covid-19 infection.
After the patient is cured of Covid-19, the fungal infection begins in the sinuses and spreads to the eyes in two to four days, according to ENT specialist Dr Sanket Shah of Kiran Hospital in Surat.
The black fungus will migrate up to the brain in the next 24 hours.
SYMPTOMS of Black Fungus
Headaches and redness in the eyes, facial swelling on one side,Headache,Nasal or sinus congestion,Black lesions on nasal bridge or upper inside of mouth that quickly become more severe,Fever
VULNERABLE to infection
According to Dr. Sanket Shah, the fungal infection targets people with weakened immune systems. Those with uncontrolled sugar levels (diabetics) and those with health issues or who take medications that reduce the body's ability to combat germs and illness are among the worst affected.
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"Last year, this deadly infection caused high mortality, with many patients losing their eyesight and having their nose and jawbone removed," said Dr. Manish Munjal.
The use of steroids in the treatment of Covid-19, along with the fact that many coronavirus patients have diabetes, according to Dr. Ajay Swaroop, chairman of the hospital's ENT department, may be one of the reasons for the deaths.