MUCORMICOSIS OR BLACK FUNGUS –CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND ITS TREATMENT.

 

India is fighting the pandemic Covid 19.  Adding to the misery is the spread of Mucormicosis or Black Fungus.  There are also some cases of white fungus infections reported in parts of India which is more dangerous than Black Fungus. Both need to get addressed properly to avoid human causalities.

Naturally a question arises from where we are getting this fungus to our body.  The answer is it is found everywhere; it’s in the soil.  It’s in the water and it is in the waste material we see in the roads.  It was not a serious case till yesterday.  But now, with the Covid cases rising, this fungus turns fatal due to many reasons which will be explained below. Before that we need to get first hand knowledge of the similarities and differences between black and white fungus

White fungus

White Fungus is more dangerous than Black Fungus.  It not only affects the lungs, but also affects vital body parts such as brain, respiratory organs, digestive system, kidneys and even private parts.  It mainly affects people with low immunity.  It also affects people who live in insanity and unhygienic environment.  White fungus is not contagious but a person who is carrying its moulds transports it to other persons and these moulds get easily affected to other person while inhaling.

People with low immunity, those who are under treatment for cancer, diabetes or those who are taking steroids medicine regularly are high risk people.

Black fungus

It is primarily affecting people who is recovering from covid 19 or those who are using steroids are at a higher risk of getting black fungal infection.  Steroids usage affects human immunity and increases the possibility.  When our immune system gets dysfunctional, these fungi attacks our body.  The patients generally show symptoms like sight issues, vomiting, breathing difficulties, chest pain, confusion, amnesia, and loss of alertness in their activities.  If not getting the treatment properly, it may get fatal.

 

Precautions and treatment:

As said earlier, this fungus is everywhere in the environment; with water logging on household and kitchen wastes. So a person should be more careful of not having exposure to decaying of bread, fruits or vegetables.  Organic and inorganic waste should be thoroughly disposed.  Should use shoes, long trousers, gloves and masks while in contact with soil or is in garden. 

Proper hygiene should be followed, regular bathing and scrubbing hands and other body parts with soap is recommended. 

Mask is most important tool of prevention, but if not using a dry and hygiene mask, it may give more trouble than benefit.  Always use washed and very dry masks.  There are strong chances of fungus in the mask if it is wet as it may be fungus affected and this fungus at the initial stage is not visible to eyes. We can also iron the mask before using if there is a possibility of wetness in the masks.

As stated earlier; this fungus are everywhere in the environment but no cases of this was reported earlier, mainly because the fungus is not entering our inner body through nose.  If it is in our clothes, hands or in legs, it will get cleared while washing.  But with Covid directly attacking our immune system we are prone to this infection and also the use of wet mask. 

Remedies

Studies show anti fungal medicines used in patients is yielding a very good result.  Also note that all the cases reported till now; the patients has previously Covid 19 history.  So the people who is not having a covid history need not have to worry and even if it’s get infected; early intervention and proper medical care helps us to overcome this disease.