Black Fungus : Black Fungus is currently in news because it has been seen in many Covid-19 patients. Recently the Union health ministry asked the states to declare Black Fungus as an epidemic disease under Epidemic Diseases Act 1897. In This blog we will discuss about it.
• It is very rare but a serious infection caused by a kind of fungus.
• Black Fungus can be seen on skin.
• It affects lungs and brain and it can seriously damage eyes or upper jaw.
Causes : This infection is caused by a group of fungus which are abundant in environment.
• These fungus are called Mucormycetes.
People who can be infected by black fungus: People with
• lower immunity and or
• affected by dibeties and or
• with affected lungs and or
• affected by sinuses and or
• affected by cancer and or
• transplanted organ or recovering Covid-19 patients (who have been treated with steroids and anti inflammatory medicines) can be infected by black fungus.
Symptoms :
• Pain
• Redness around nose and or eyes
• Fever
• Headache
• Coughing
• Breathlessness
• Vomiting
• Toothache
• Tooth loosening
• Blackish bloody discharge from nose
• Blurry vision
• Altered mental health
• One side facial pain
• Chest pain etc.
Prevention :
• Use mask while going in dusty environment
• Wear full body clothes and gloves while gardening.
• Maintaining personal hygiene is very important.
• Try to maintain blood glucose level.
• Don't use Steroids without doctors' permission.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Don't use too much immunomodulating drugs without doctors advice.
Cure : In few case surgery is required.
• For rest of the cases respiratory tract fluid sample may be checked and CT scan of lungs/ sinuses or tissue biopsy can be done.
• Normal saline (IV) infusion is given before 4-6 weeks of giving antifungal amphotericin B dose (3-4 mg/kg body weight/day).
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