Here the world is fighting with COVID-19 and there another deadly not so common infection has come called “BLACK FUNGUS”.

WHAT IS BLACK FUNGUS?

Black Fungus Also named as “ MUCORMYCOSIS” is a rare but minacious infection. It is a fungal infection and caused by RHIZOPUS fungi.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Anyone at any age can be affected by this infection but mainly people with below mentioned conditions are at high risk:

Compromised/weaken immunity

Uncontrolled diabetes

Organ or bone marrow transplantation

Trauma and burns

Neutropenia

HIV/AIDS

Malignant hematologic disorders

DOES IT SPREAD VIA AIR?

Black fungus is not a contagious disease it cause when someone comes in the contact of mucormycetes mold as the fungus is present in soil, rotting wood, a pile of compost and leaves and it can easily contracted via skin.

Another way to is inhaling the mould spores.

AFFECTED AREAS:

This fungus often affects sinuses, lungs, skin and brain.

SYMPTOMS:

Symptoms are depend on the affected area and they include:

Fever

Cough

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Swelling on one side of face

Headache

Sinus congestion

Black lesions on the bridge of your nose or inside of your mouth

Abdomen pain

Nausea Vomiting

Gastrointestinal bleeding

Blood in stool

Diarrhoea

Skin infection

Brain infection

RELATION WITH COVID-19:

There is no such direct link to explain the relation but it could be some factors which makes a person susceptible to infection:

Weaken immunity (might be due to prolonged stay in ICU and on oxygen therapy)

Uncontrolled diabetes

PRECAUTION:

Wear mask

Do not use single mask for longer period of time

Mask should be disinfected regularly

Stay away from areas with lots of dust or soil

If diabetic then control diabetes

Use clean water

Wear full sleeves and long clothes

 

 

 

Ref: https://www.webmd.com/lung/mucormycosis-black-fungus-infection