Let’s find out What is Black Fungus or Mucormycosis (previously called zygomycosis) and how it is affecting patients recovering from covid-19.
According to media reports, several patients died due to this deadly infection last year while some lost their eyesight, got damaged nose and jawbones. 
What is Black Fungus or Mucormycosis | Black fungus treatment
What is Black Fungus or Mucormycosis?
Black Fungus or Mucormycosis is a rare and serious fungal infection. As per Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention, previously called zygomycosis, black fungus is caused by a group of fungi called mucormycetes.
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Doctors say that this infection is seen in patients who are at the recovery stage post Covid-19 and had comorbidities such as diabetes, kidney-related ailments, cancer, etc.
How dangerous is black fungus?
Experts say that black fungus infection i.e. Mucormycosis disease is a serious disease, but it is not a new disease. Due to this disease, apart from the nose, ears, and throat, other parts of the body may suffer severe damage. This disease affects more due to the weakened immunity.
What is Black Fungus or Mucormycosis | Black fungus treatment
How does black fungus enter the body?
Experts say that black fungus lives in the air. It passes through your nose into the mucus and enters the nasal skin. After this, Mucormycosis disease spreads very fast and also extends to the brain. The death rate in this disease is said to be around 50 percent.
Who are likely to get infected with black fungus?
As per doctors, patients who are in the recovery post covid-19 with weak immunity can be prone to black fungus.
What is Black Fungus or Mucormycosis | Black fungus treatment
What are the black fungus infection symptoms?
- Some of the fungus infection symptoms include:
- Dryness on the inner walls of the nose
- Black and brown crusts inside the nose
- Nasal congestion
- Upper lips and cheeks begin to numb
- Swollen Eyes
- Reddening of the eyes
- Headaches
- One-sided facial swelling
What is the treatment of black fungus infection?
Experts say that one should keep a watch for early symptoms of the disease. Once detected, patients are put on strong anti-fungal drugs and therapy.
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If detected late the recovery gets difficult and may take a longer time. Patients have to stay in the hospital for several days and its treatment is also very expensive. The recovery rate is reported to be only around 50%.
What is Black Fungus or Mucormycosis | Black fungus treatment
Black fungus infection prevention measures
Antifungal therapy should be started as soon as possible on the advice of a doctor if symptoms of black fungus infection appear. People should avoid direct exposure to too much dust, where there is mud or moss, and wear shoes, long pants, and gloves if working there is absolutely necessary. In addition, skin injuries should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water. Apart from this, the following preventive measures should also be taken:
- Keep blood sugar under check.
- The humidifier, if the covid-19 patient is on oxygen support, should be clean and have clean water.
- Overall cleanliness of the covid-19 patient should be maintained.
- If there is any oral ulcer, one must get this treatment started immediately on noticing.
People recovering post covid must keep a watch for any of the symptoms showing and contact your doctor immediately.
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Disclaimer: This article is solely for informational purposes. Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for any harm that may result from using the information provided in the article.
