COVID triggers new fungal infection, All you need to know about-
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As the country grapples with the dreadful second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, the Wuhan virus started registering its new record in the Country. With that new alarming rate of COVID cases, the virus has now triggered rare deadly fungal infections in the country. Some parts of the country mainly Delhi and Gujrat have started reporting “black fungus” cases in patients of coronavirus disease (Covid-19). According to the reports, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital has admitted 6 patients with a non-contagious infection in the past 2 days.
But what is Black Fungus?
Black Fungus is also known as the Mucormycisis. According to the CDC (Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention), it is a serious but rare fungal infection. It is caused by a fungus named mucor, which is found on wet surfaces. Mucormycisis mainly affects people who have health problems or take medicines that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness.
Who can get infected by black fungus?
Niti Aayog member Dr. VK Paul has said that mucormycosis known as black fungus affects those people who are suffering from diabetes. He said the infection affects only those who have a high blood sugar level.
Dr. Paul said, it is a fungus that breeds on wet surfaces and it is very uncommon to happen among patients who do not have diabetes. He informed the infection is most commonly seen in patients who have recovered from the coronavirus but have comorbidities such as diabetes, kidney or heart disease, or cancer. "Mucor attacks people with uncontrolled sugar. Other than that, if the diabetes patient is taking immune suppressive medicines, steroids, or has cancer, then the impact of mucormycosis is more on that person. If these patients are exposed to wet surfaces, then the chances of getting this disease increases," he said.
How it spread?
The infection is not contagious. It cannot transmit between people and animals. Individuals contract this infection by coming in contact with the fungal spores in their environment.
Paul said when the same COVID-19 patient is put on oxygen support, which has a humidifier containing water, the chances of him or her getting the fungal infection increase. The fungal infection is also caused by molds present in the environment. These molds affect a person when their immune system is weakened. The fungus can also enter the body through open cuts and wounds.
What are the Symptoms
Symptoms of the disease are face numbness, nose obstructions on one side, swelling in the eyes, or pain. It can also be accompanied by cough, fever, headache.
Is it an Outbreak?
He further clarified that there is "no big outbreak" of Black Fungus.
Is is treatable?
According to the government, early diagnosis and timely treatment can help in successfully treating the infection. The treatment also involves anti-fungal and surgery (if required) to remove the affected area.
Last year, the Drug Controller General of India, approved Mumbai-based bio-pharmaceutical firm Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited to use anti-fungal medication -- Liposomal Amphotericin B or LAmB -- as a medical intervention in patients of Mucormycosis.
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