How Did Black Fungal Disease Spread in India?
black fungal disease spread, As India battles a deadly second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new threat has emerged: black fungal disease. This rare but deadly infection can affect patients who are immunocompromised, including cancer and HIV/AIDS sufferers.
The deadly fungus usually infects the nose, eyes and sometimes the brain. It can be fatal if left untreated, and doctors have had to remove a patient’s eye in some cases.[1]
Is Black Fungus Contagious?
Black fungal disease is an infection caused by mold, which can attack the respiratory tract, nose and paranasal sinuses, eyes and brain. This fungus isn’t harmful to the majority of people, but it can cause serious infections among those with weakened immune systems.
The disease spreads easily through contact with infected people or objects, but it’s not contagious when spores aren’t present. Symptoms include redness in the eyes, trouble breathing, chest pain and a fever.
Another way it spreads is through bloodstream infections, which can lead to death if left untreated. These infections are most common in patients with COVID-19, but they can also occur in patients who have other serious health conditions such as diabetes or malignancies.
Moreover, it is also possible for the fungus to enter the body through wounds and other areas that have been infected with the virus. The fungus can then grow and multiply in these areas, leading to serious health problems.
In fact, black fungus has been linked to the COVID-19 pandemic in several countries, including India. Experts say that the fungus is particularly dangerous in COVID-19 patients because their immune systems are weak due to steroids and other medications.[2]
According to a report in The Daily Star, two patients have been confirmed as being infected with the fungus at Birdem Hospital in Dhaka. These patients had recovered from Covid-19, but they were still suffering from other health issues.
The fungus, which is called mucormycosis, can affect any part of the body but it has tissue tropism towards nasal sinuses, orbit, CNS, pulmonary, skin and is considered a rapidly emerging angioinvasive infection. It can cause a variety of symptoms, but the most common are fever, double vision, headache and black lesions in the mouth.
What Are the Symptoms of Black Fungus Infection?
Symptoms of black fungal disease infection typically include a swollen and painful nose, black or scaly patches of skin around the nose, bleeding from the eyes and pneumonia-like symptoms. The infection can spread to the lungs and brain. It can also cause pus leakage and slow wound healing, and it may lead to starvation or organ failure.[3]
The fungus is usually found in decaying fruits and vegetables, as well as soils. It is opportunistic and can infect people with compromised immune systems, such as those with AIDS or cancer.
Mucormycosis is a rare and life-threatening infection that can attack the brain, sinuses, lungs and skin. It is particularly dangerous for people with uncontrolled diabetes, cancer and HIV/AIDS, as well as those who are receiving antifungal medication.
Hospitals in India have seen an increase in cases of mucormycosis, known as “black fungus,” since the coronavirus pandemic began. Experts say the infections are linked to steroids that doctors give patients to fight the virus, and diabetics are at particular risk.
One doctor in Mumbai told the BBC that he was treating at least 40 patients a day with black fungus. He said that many had had to have their jaw bones, noses and eyes removed to save them from the fungus.
The CDC reports that black fungal infection can be fatal if left untreated, and early diagnosis is critical for survival. However, if the infection is caught early enough, the fungus can be treated with antifungal medicine, such as amphotericin B. It may take up to six weeks for symptoms to develop. If treatment is delayed, the fungus can spread to the lungs or brain. Depending on the severity of the infection, it may also require surgery to remove infected tissues.[4]
Can Black Fungus Be Cured?
Black fungal disease is a severe, but rare, infection. It occurs when fungus spores enter the body through the air, and it often kills people who have weak immune systems.
The infection can spread from the air pockets behind the nose and cheekbones to the lungs and brain, where it causes pain, swelling and difficulty breathing. If it affects the eye, it can cause vision problems and blindness.
Experts are concerned about a spike in cases of mucormycosis, a type of black fungal infection that can lead to death if treatment is delayed. It has already claimed over 7,000 lives in India since May, according to the Health Ministry.
In some cases, doctors have had to remove a patient’s eyes in order to stop the infection from spreading to the brain. Those who are diabetic, or have high blood sugar levels, are at higher risk of developing this infection because they have lower immune response.
Moreover, steroids that doctors use to treat COVID-19 dampen the immune system and increase the risk of infections, experts say. That’s why many hospitals in India are now reporting an uptick in mucormycosis cases in patients with Covid-19.
One doctor in Mumbai says he’s seen more than 40 cases of the infection in April alone. He said the majority of them are patients who have come in late because they’re losing their vision.[5]
He said some of them have died, but others are still alive and recovering well. The main way to cure the infection is by removing it through debridement surgery, then using antifungal medication such as amphotericin B. He said it was critical to do so quickly because if the infection is left untreated, its mortality rate could reach 94%.
What’s Causing India’s Black Fungus Outbreak?
The outbreak is a result of an unprecedented emergence of black fungal disease, or mucormycosis. This is a rare fungus infection that’s spread by inhaling spores that float in air and are also found on compost and rotting materials.
India’s health ministry says this is the first time the country has seen an outbreak of the fungus. It’s affecting people who have survived the COVID-19 coronavirus wave and is thought to be linked to steroids used to treat the virus.
Doctors are treating the infection with a combination of antifungal medicines and antibiotics. However, many of these medicines are difficult to get in India, and doctors can’t always be sure they have the right dosages.
According to Indian news outlets, thousands of people in India have fallen ill from the black fungal disease and are dying. In some cases, the fungus has invaded the brain, and doctors have had to remove the patients’ eyes and jaw bones to save their lives.
The epidemic has pushed up waiting lists for hospital beds, with hospitals across the country now filling up fast. In New Delhi, for example, more than 200 patients are on the list.
Another problem is that there’s a shortage of medical supplies and medicines, including the drug Amphotericin B. The drugs are necessary to treat the disease.[6]
There’s also a need for revamped surveillance, diagnosis and management. This will help reduce the severity of the disease and ensure the safety of people who have it. It will also prevent the spread of the fungus to others. These efforts will require a nationwide system of monitoring, diagnostic and treatment. It will also need public awareness and education.
Ways To Prevent Black Fungus Infection
Black fungal disease is a rare and fatal infection that spreads from the mucormycetes group of fungi. It is caused by inhaling the spores or coming into contact with them through cuts and open wounds on the skin.
The fungus can infect multiple organs such as the brain, heart, eyes and lungs. It is typically diagnosed through a doctor’s examination of a patient.
Those who are immunocompromised are at the highest risk of developing mucormycosis. These include patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS and diabetes.
People with these conditions often have a decreased number of immune cells called phagocytes, which help kill harmful bacteria and other organisms. This decreases the ability of these cells to bind and destroy spores, which in turn allows for a greater amount of the fungus to enter and grow.[7]
It is important to note that this type of infection can be particularly dangerous for those with COVID-19. It may exacerbate the symptoms of the virus and can lead to more severe complications, including pneumonia or respiratory failure, according to The New York Times.
In addition, patients who are on steroid medication and those with low blood sugar levels are at an increased risk of getting this type of infection, according to medical experts. Because of this, it is vital for patients to follow a strict diet, limit their alcohol intake and avoid smoking.
The CDC recommends that patients who are at high risk of contracting mucormycosis be treated as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve survival rates. In addition, it is important to take precautions when handling soil, moss or manure. These include wearing a face mask and gloves while working in damp or moist environments.
Black Fungal Disease Spread
The emergence of black fungal disease among patients suffering from COVID-19 has become a cause of concern. This fungus can cause life-threatening complications.
This invasive infection of the sinuses and brain is mostly seen in immunocompromised people, like those recovering from Covid-19, diabetes, kidney transplants, cancer and those on medication for auto-immune diseases. It may also occur in infants.[8]
Can Fungus Affect Humans?
People can get mucormycosis when they come into contact with fungal spores in the air or through skin injuries. It is a serious infection that can be fatal in some cases. It usually affects those who have several health problems, including diabetes or high blood pressure, or take medications that lower their immunity.
The fungus can infect many parts of the body, including the eyes and the brain. It can also damage organs like the lungs and heart. It can lead to death if it is not treated quickly and effectively.
It is a type of opportunistic infection that mainly affects immunocompromised patients who have uncontrolled diabetes or kidney transplants, or are taking immune-suppressing drugs. It can cause sinusitis, a condition that affects the area of the nose and the upper jaw.
When it infects the lung, it can cause pneumonia and other infections. It can also spread to the gastrointestinal tract. It can also infect the eyes, and in severe cases can cause blindness or a stroke.
There are four types of mucormycosis: rhinocerebral (sinus and brain), pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and cutaneous. Rhinocerebral mucormycosis is most common in people with uncontrolled diabetes or kidney transplants, and it can cause infection of the sinuses, the upper jaw, and the brain.[9]
Affected people may have symptoms like fever, coughing, headache, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal bleeding. They can also be short of breath, experience confusion, and lose consciousness.
The fungus can be prevented by washing your hands and using mask hygiene. It can also be treated with antibiotics and antifungal medication. Amphotericin B, posaconazole, and isavuconazole are all used to treat the disease.
What Causes Black Fungus Infection?
Black fungus disease spread is a rare but life-threatening infection caused by a class of moulds called mucormycetes that live in soil, decaying organic matter such as leaves and compost piles, and rotten wood. It mainly affects people with health problems or those who take drugs that lower their immunity.
This disease usually causes an infection of the lungs or sinuses after a person inhales spores from the surrounding environment, which can be found in the air or soil. It may also occur after a cut, scrape, or burn that causes the skin to become infected with fungal spores.
It can cause a variety of symptoms such as coughing, fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. It can also affect the brain and lungs and can lead to serious complications.
The most common symptoms of black fungus include shortness of breath, fever, and chest pain. Symptoms can also be more severe in children and older adults, especially those with compromised immune systems.
A few social media posts have suggested a number of ways to prevent the spread of this infection, including using alum and turmeric to rinse one’s mouth, applying mustard oil to the nostrils after inhaling steam, and avoiding contaminated food. They also advise against drinking water that is stored for long periods and checking coolers, air conditioners, and RO water purifiers frequently to ensure there are no fungus spores in them.[10]
Aside from the aforementioned measures, there is no guarantee that one will be free from this fungal infection. However, a variety of antifungal medications can help keep it at bay. This is because mucormycosis is non-communicable and can only be transmitted from one person to another through contact with infected mucus.
Where Is Black Fungus Found?
Black fungal disease is usually spread through breathing, or when the fungus enters the body through an infected wound. People who are immune compromised may be more at risk for developing this infection, so it is important to follow a good hygiene routine and avoid contact with the fungus.
The fungus spores can be found anywhere, but they are most common in soil and decaying fruits and vegetables. They can also be found in animal dung and on contaminated surfaces.
Mucormycosis is an invasive and disseminated type of fungus infection that affects the lungs, sinuses, brain, and skin. It can cause severe pain, coughing, vomiting, and bloody stools.
It is most common in patients who are immune compromised, including those with cancer or HIV, and those who have had a recent transplant. It is also more common among older people who have comorbidities, such as kidney or liver disease, and those on medications for auto-immune diseases like diabetes.
When the fungus invades tissues, it erodes the blood vessels and tissues. This causes thrombosis and tissue necrosis, which gives the affected areas black color.
If the infection is severe, it can cause a person to experience mental changes or fall into a coma. It can also damage organs, such as the spleen and heart.
The fungus is especially dangerous to children and babies, since they are not yet able to fight off infections. It can be fatal if the infection is not treated quickly.[11]
The fungus has been known to spread through exposure to contaminated equipment, such as adhesive bandages or wooden tongue depressors. In hospitals, it can be caused by contaminated oxygen cylinders or humidifiers. It can also be passed on by people who have had a recent surgery, including breast implants and hip replacements.
Who Does Black Fungus Affect?
People who are immunocompromised (having a reduced ability to fight infection) or those taking medication that reduces their body’s immunity can get black fungal disease. This infection can be dangerous, and it can lead to many different health problems.
A person can become infected with this disease when he or she comes into contact with fungal spores. These spores are found in dirt, animal dung, and decaying plant material such as leaves or compost piles.
If a person breathes in the fungal spores, they can get an infection of their sinuses or lungs. This can cause a lot of discomfort or even lead to death in some cases.
This infection is more common in people who are immune-compromised, such as those with cancer or HIV/AIDS. It can also affect people who are on drugs that lower their immunity, such as steroids.
It can also happen in people who are on oxygen cylinders or humidifiers used in hospitals. This can be dangerous if the oxygen cylinders are not cleaned frequently.
Mucormycosis can spread from a person’s lungs to their sinuses or brain, and then to other parts of the body. If this occurs, the symptoms may include fever, chills, headaches, and aches in the body.
In rare cases, the infection can spread to the spleen or heart. This can be fatal if it is not treated quickly.
A high fatality rate can be seen in those who do not treat this condition early. This is especially true for patients who have undergone surgery or treatment for COVID-19.[12]
How Is Mask Hygiene Connected To Black Fungus?
Mucormycosis, also known as black fungal disease, is a type of infection that can cause severe illness if not treated. It typically affects the eyes, sinuses, lungs and brain and is known to be fatal.
The fungus can be caused by spores in the air, which are then transferred to the body by inhaling them. Those who have suppressed immune systems are more likely to develop this ailment.
People who are immunocompromised owing to Covid-19, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, age-related issues, or those on medication for auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are more at risk of developing the infection.
While there are many factors that could contribute to the spread of this disease, one of them is the use of masks or respirators for oxygen therapy. According to experts, these devices may be infected by micro leaks in the industrial cylinders that they are being used.
Additionally, patients who have been hospitalized for a long period and those with respiratory conditions are at a higher risk of developing the condition due to lack of proper hygiene. They should wash their hands and remove their masks or respirators after every use and disinfect them before storing.[13]
Keeping these precautions in mind can help reduce the risk of acquiring black fungal disease. Other important factors include staying in a clean environment and maintaining personal hygiene, especially after coming home from work or visiting friends and family.
