While India is fighting with rising Covid cases, the cases of Black fungus infection is also rising in several states of India, including Bihar. As many as 90 people have died of mucormycosis or Black fungus in Maharashtra so far, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope has said, “Around 1500 patients were found infected with Black fungus infection in the state till date, out of which, aroun 850 are active patients receiving treatment.”
On the other hand, union ministry has urged states to declare Black Fungus infection an epidemic. While this is happening, now four cases of White Fungus infection, which is considered far more dangerous than Black fungus have been registered from Patna, Bihar. One of the infected patients is a famous doctor from Patna.
What is White Fungus Infection?
According to health experts, White Fungus infection is more dangerous than black fungus infection because it affects lungs as well as other parts of the body incuding nails, skin, stomach, kidney, brain, private parts and mouth.
Doctors said that white fungus also infect the lungs and an infection similar to COVID-19 is detected when HRCT is performed on the infected patient.
Mucormycosis, also known as Black fungus or zygomycosis, is caused by a group of mold called mucormycetes. These fungi live in the environment, particularly in soil and in decaying organic matter, such as leaves, composite piles,or rotten wood, as per the centre of Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms of Mucormycosis
Mucormycosis is dangerous if left untreated. Here are the sympotms:
1. Headache
2. Facial Pain
3. Nasal Congestion
4. Loss of vision or pain in the eyes.
5. Cheek swelling
6. Eyeblack crusts in the nose
7. Coughing bloody vomits.
What is the treatment for Mucormycosis?
An anti-fungal intravenous injection which costs Rs 3,500 a dose and has to be administered every day for up to eight weeks is the only drug effective against the disease.
Know more about Black Fungus infection from a Doctor (Apollo Hospital, Bengaluru) in the below video.
https://www.facebook.com/metrosagamedia/videos/880118239205167
