Black Fungus or Mucormycosis: How to identify signs and symptoms in COVID Cases?

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in an unprecedented manner across the country and fear of a third wave exists, COVID-19 may not be the only calamity we are at the risk of facing. As per the evident from the hospitals of various states, cases of a new infection, ‘black fungus’ affecting COVID patients is rising across the country and causing many more complications. 

What is mucormycosis? 

• Mucormycosis is supposed to be a big, serious threat right now. While recorded cases of the fungal infection are still rare, the ICMR has now issued guidelines that not only could affect a lot of COVID patients in recovery, it could also become very fatal if left unchecked. 

• As per experts, the black fungal infection is caused by a group of moulds called 'mucormycetes', those are present in the air and causes complications when an ill patient inhales these, which then spreads into the sinus cavities, lungs and chest cavities. However, how exactly is the black fungus infection linked to COVID is yet undisclosed. 

Signs and Symptoms of Black Fungus

The most characteristic feature is a facial deformity due to the spread of black fungal infection. While, some signs of the infection could also impair sensory and vital organs. Here are some sharp signs and symptoms of identification of Black Fungus Infection: 

1. Vision Impairment: 

Vision distortion and changes to eyes could also be warning signs of the infection spreading, experts warn. As the black fungi spreads and progresses, vision can be distorted as well. Some people may also experience a sort of swelling in one eye, hazy or poor vision, or develop bloodshot eyes. 

2. Severe Headaches: 

This fungal infection could be primarily harmful when a patient inhales the fungal moulds and attacks the sinus cavities and nerves. This further causes a person to experience symptoms like persistent pain and headaches. 

3. Swelling in the cheeks, eyes and other parts of the face:  

Swelling and pain on the cheekbone, or experiencing one-sided facial pain or sort of numbness could also be primary markers of the infection right now. Apart from this, the fungal infection could also affect skin health and give rise to multiple lesions, necrosis like symptoms. 

4. Blackish discolouration around the bridge of the nose:  

Facial distortion is the most evident sign of this infection. In most of the cases, the infection can result in the growth of black patches around the eyes, nose. In some cases, sporadic growth of the fungal infection can lead a person to lose his or her teeth or jaws. 

5. Disturbed Mental State & Confusion:  

Black fungal infection is known to make its way to the brain upon inhalation, doctors warn that critical symptoms like delirium, memory loss, neurological impairment, the altered mental state could be signs that a patient needs attention.