Black Fungus: All you need to know about do's and don'ts issued by Govt

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, an increase in mucormycosis or black fungus has been recorded among patients. Lack of care in its treatments can be lethal. Government and health organizations are vigorously working towards containing this outbreak because it is adding to the worsening of health among COVID patients.

The mortality rate of mucormycosis or black fungus is said to be 50 per cent. Its symptoms include headaches, nasal congestion, fever, and compromised vision.

As maintained in an advisory put out by the Health Ministry and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), “Mucormycosis, if uncared for, may turn fatal. Sinuses or lungs of such individuals get affected after fungal spores are inhaled from the air”.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan put out a tweet that focused on informing people about the definition, symptoms, risk factors, and do's and don'ts of mucormycosis. He said, "Awareness and early diagnosis can help curb the spread of the fungal infection".

Mucormycosis-Do's and don'ts:

1) Control hyperglycemia

2) Monitor blood glucose level post-COVID-19 discharge and also in diabetics

3) Use steroid judiciously

4) Use clean, sterile water for humidifiers during oxygen therapy

5) Use antibiotics/antifungals judiciously

Here are don'ts:

1) Do not miss warning signs and symptoms

2) Do not consider all the cases with a blocked nose as cases of bacterial sinusitis, particularly in the context of immunosuppression and/or COVID-19 patients on immunomodulators

3) Do not hesitate to seek aggressive investigations, as appropriate (KOH staining & microscopy, culture, MALDITOF), for detecting fungal aetiology

4) Do not lose crucial time to initiate treatment for mucormycosis

Here are some preventive measures to avoid contracting mucormycosis:

1) Eat a balanced diet to boost immunity.

2) Avoid indulging in outdoor activities involving mud, moss, manure, or soil without covering your body.

3) Always wear a mask.

4) Maintain good personal and public hygiene.

5) Be mindful and vigilant about your health and medications.

Also Read: Coronavirus: India reports 2,76,070 new COVID-19 cases, 3,874 deaths in last 24 hrs