Covid-19: Mysterious infection? Mucormycosis! Know what it is and how to identify signs of black fungus

The Covid-19 is not the only calamity perhaps the country is battling with amid it continues to wreak havoc in the country and there is also a looming fear of a third wave. Many parts of the country have been reporting cases of a mysterious infection — black fungus — affecting the covid patients.

This black fungus medically referred to as a fungal infection called mucormycosis is especially seen largely in the states having heavy caseloads of coronavirus. There have been over 200 such cases reported across India so far.

What is mucormycosis? How is it linked to COVID?

A fungal infection, Mucormycosis is termed to be a serious threat currently. Though the reported cases of this bizarre fungal infection are still rare, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued guidelines that not only prone to affect a lot of covid patients in recovery, but also could become extremely fatal if left unchecked.

Experts point out that this infection is caused by a group of moulds called 'mucormycetes', which is present in the air and causes complications, when an ill patient inhales these moulds, which then spreads into the sinus cavities, lungs and chest cavities.

The reason how this black fungus is associated with covid is still undisclosed. However, some experts believe that a high dependency on steroids (used to treat inflammation in covid cases), pre-existing comorbidities, like diabetes may make a person suffering from covid being infected by this fungus.  

Here are the most common symptoms of identification:

Excruciating headaches: This infection may, primarily, be harmful when a patient inhales the fungal moulds and attacks the sinus cavities and nerves. This causes a person to experience symptoms like persistent pain and headaches.

Vision impairment: Vision or eye distortion is also a warning signs of the infection spreading, experts warn. As the black fungi grow and spreads, vision can be distorted as well. Some people may also experience a sort of swelling in one eye, have hazy or poor vision, or develop bloodshot eyes.

Swelling in the cheeks, eyes or parts of the face: Swelling, local pain on the cheekbone, or experiencing one-sided facial pain or sort of numbness could also be the primary markers of the infection right now. Besides, It may also affect the skin and give rise to multiple lesions, necrosis like symptoms.

Altered mental state, confusion: Since the fungal infection is known to make its way to the brain upon inhalation, doctors warn that critical symptoms like delirium, memory loss, neurological impairment, the altered mental state could be signs that a patient needs attention.