In news: A rare fungal infection, known as mucormycosis is being detected among Covid-19 patients in some states.
About the disease-
- It is also called “black fungus”.
- It is caused by a group of moulds known as mucormycetes present naturally in the environment.
- Symptoms include pain and redness around eyes and/or nose, fever, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, bloody vomits, and altered mental status.
- Warning signs can include toothache, loosening of teeth, blurred or double vision with pain.
- Sinuses or lungs of such individuals get affected after they inhale fungal spores from the air.
- The disease often manifests in the skin and also affects the brain.
- Vulnerable groups include people who have health problems or take medicines that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness.
- These include those with diabetes, cancer, or those who have had an organ transplant.
- While it is treated with antifungals, mucormycosis may eventually require surgery.
Source: IE
