‘Black Fungus’ Cases are Increasing Continuously in Covid Patients, Health Ministry shares Symptoms and 8 Ways of Prevention Measures

‘Black fungus’ is such a serious disease that is engulfing patients recovering from the coronavirus. In many states including Maharashtra and Gujarat, the disease is spreading rapidly. It is also called Mucormycosis. Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has advised people to identify early signs of black fungus and avoid it. Harshvardhan said in a post on his Twitter handle that by identifying awareness and early symptoms, its danger can be avoided.

#Mucormycosis, commonly known as ‘#BlackFungus‘ has been observed in a number of #COVID19 patients recently.

Awareness & early diagnosis can help curb the spread of the fungal infection. Here’s how to detect & manage it #IndiaFightsCorona @MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/lC6iSNOxGF

— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) May 14, 2021

What is Mucormycosis or Black Fungus?

Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that is triggered by the coronavirus. This infection usually starts from the nose. Which slowly spreads to the eyes. Therefore, it is very important to treat it as soon as the infection spreads.

Who is in Danger

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, the risk of mucormycosis increases in corona patients only under certain conditions. Uncontrolled diabetes weakened immunity due to steroids, prolonged ICU or hospital admission, any other disease, post organ transplant, or in case of cancer may increase the risk of black fungus.

Symptoms of black Fungus

Many types of symptoms are seen mainly in black fungus. It can be identified by

• Redness or pain in the eyes
• Fever
• Headache
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Blood in Vomit
• Change in mental state.

How to Rescue or Avoid Mucormycosis

• Wear masks in dusty areas to avoid black fungus.
• Wear shoes, gloves, full sleeves shirt, and trousers while going near things like soil, moss, or manure.
• Take special care of cleanliness.
• Diabetes control, minimized use of immunomodulating drugs or steroids can be avoided.
• Apart from this, continue to monitor blood glucose levels even after recovery from Covid-19.
• Use steroids only on the advice of doctors.
• During oxygen therapy, use only clean water for a humidifier.
• Antibiotics or antifungal medicines should be used only when needed.

What not to Do To avoid black fungus :

• Do not ignore its symptoms at all.
• Do not forget to consider all cases with a closed nose as bacterial sinusitis.
• Do not make such a mistake, especially in the case of Covid-19 and immunosuppression.

Cases of Mucormycosis are now being found in other states besides Maharashtra.

Currently, cases of black fungus are being seen in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan. It can also cause great harm to the patient’s eye, nasal bone, and jaw. Therefore, it is very important to be treated in time.