In India, some COVID -19 patients have developed an unusual and likely fatal fungal infection known as mucormycosis, also called "black fungus," according to news reports.
Mucormycosis
Mucormycosis results from a group of molds known as mucormycetes, which develops in decaying organic matter and the soil, like rotting wood and leaves, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A Mumbai-based eye surgeon, Dr. Akshay Nair told BBC News: "It is almost everywhere and can be seen in soil and air and even in healthy people's nose and mucus."
The mold can get into the body through cuts and other injuries in the skin, or the infection can remain in the lungs or sinuses after people inhale the fungal spores. Once the mold gets inside the body, the fungus can at times affect other organs, like the heart, eyes, brain, and spleen, by spreading through the bloodstream.
Mucormycosis commonly strikes those that have weakened immune systems, both those suffering from diabetes and those using medicines that suppress immune activity, as stated by the CDC. The New York Times reported a rising number of COVID-19 patients in India seems to be contracting the infection. For example, in Maharashtra state, where Mumbai is located, about 200 people contracted mucormycosis after recovering from coronavirus, and eight of them have died due to black fungus, the Times made the report, citing local news coverage.
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Emerging Cases At Delhi
Cases are also emerging in Delhi's capital city and in the state of Gujarat, where the state government has requested 5,000 doses of amphotericin B (an antifungal drug) to treat the disease. Head of India's COVID task force, Dr. V.K. Paul at a press conference last week said: "We have gotten the news that in some regions, people who are COVID-infected or already recovered are infected with mucormycosis, but there is not an extensive outbreak of it," according to the Times."We are observing and monitoring."
The increase in cases may be associated with steroid use in COVID-19 patients that are hospitalized since the drugs lead to suppression of the immune system, BBC News reported. And those suffering from diabetes start out at high risk for the infection, even before taking steroids.
Early Symptoms of the Infection
Nair told BBC News diabetes reduces the immune defenses of the body, coronavirus aggravates it, and then steroids which assist in fighting COVID-19 act like fuel added to a fire. Also, many families have had to treat family members for COVID-19 at home, implying people may become susceptible to the mold after getting medicine or oxygen therapy in conditions that are less than sterile, the Times reported.
At the beginning of stages of infection, patients often struggle with a stuffy nose or bleeding nose; droopy eyelids; blurred vision; or swollen eyes; BBC News reported. There can also be an appearance of black patches on the skin around the nose.
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