While speculations of a fourth wave of COVID-19 are mounting in India, occurrences of fatal Black Fungus infection have been detected in some of the country’s main metros. When India was fighting the second wave of the coronavirus in 2021, another virus outbreak of Mucormycosis, often known as black fungus, struck many of those who had recovered from COVID-19. Doctors from Mumbai told TheHealthSite.com that there have been multiple cases of this dangerous fungal infection reported in the city in the last few days.
Mucormycosis, or black fungus, is a rare but deadly condition. Micromycetes, a type of mould, are commonly responsible for this illness, which affects the sinuses, lungs, skin, and brain. Dr. Santosh S, Consultant- Ear, Nose, and Throat, Manipal Hospital Hebbal, was contacted by TheHealthSite.com to learn more about the current scenario and the symptoms that the patients are facing.
Dr. Santosh S. stated that “Four back to back cases of mucormycosis or black fungus have been reported in our hospital in the last one month.” This comes as the number of COVID cases in the country continues to rise. India has recorded 2,927 new instances of illness in the last 24 hours.
According to Dr. Santosh S, the majority of the symptoms are unknown. The symptoms that have been recorded are rather ambiguous. The virus infection did not affect everyone in the same way. However, there are a few frequent indications to be aware of.
The following are some of the most prevalent symptoms of black fungus, according to the doctor:
Dull headache
Head heaviness
Facial pain
A sensation of being cold
A sensation of being cold
The cases are only discovered after a high index of suspicion and further investigation.
Dr Santosh S, speaking about how the virus spreads from one person to the next, said that pre-existing sinus condition combined with an immunocompromised state, such as diabetes or uncontrolled sugar, are potential methods for the virus to spread. The doctor also mentioned that none of the cases presented had a diabetic history.
According to Dr. Santosh S, the country’s current Black Fungus outbreak does pose a threat. “This has to be kept in mind as fungal sinusitis are more common in India due to the geography. There is no evidence that the other countries don’t have it, they also have it but it is more prone for Indians. We probably are seeing just the tip of the iceberg, as cases are slowly coming up. Being cautious and taking care of yourself and taking help at the appropriate time is more helpful than ignoring the symptoms.”
