Cases of ‘black fungus’ Mucormycosis raise concern: Some facts

A rare kind of fungal infection called Mucormycosis, which affects those who undergo Covid-19 treatment and those who recovered from it , has been creating great worry in the country. Though the infection rates are relatively less, many cases have been reported from Delhi, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Mucormycosis is a fungal infection which is potentially fatal and was found even before the Covid-19 pandemic. This fungus infection is caused by a mould which flourishes in wet environments. Affecting the respiratory system first, it gradually moves to face and alters facial structures. It has the potential to attack the brain and also cause death.

Generally, people suffering from diabetes are prone to Mucormycosis attack. However, after the outbreak of second wave of Covid-19, the medical experts have found that many patients who undergo Covid-19 treatment and those who recovered from it , have been infected by it.

After evaluating the circumstances, doctors confirm that it is the steroid therapy which causes Mucormycosis in Covid-19 patients.

People with severe Covid-19 have been offered steroids in order to subside the lung inflammation which was caused by hyper active immune system. However, the steroids also weakens the immunity that makes the patients prone to fungal infections such as Mucormycosis. The steroids also increases the diabetic level of the patients.

Doctors reveals that the overall mortality rate of Mucormycosis is 50%.

However, Dr VK Paul who heads India’s Covid task force has made it clear that there was not a big outbreak of Mucormycosis. Doctor also said that they were watching and monitoring the situation.

“It is a fungus that has a strong relation to diabetes.If the person is not diabetic, it is very uncommon that the person would have mucormycosis,” Dr VK Paul said.