Black fungus: what is the Mucormycosis infection reported in India Covid patients - and what are the symptoms?

Covid patients in India are reportedly suffering from a rare and potentially fatal black fungus infection called ‘Mucormycosis’.

In recent weeks, Indian hospitals have been overwhelmed by coronavirus patients, with oxygen supplies and beds running low.

It’s not just coronavirus, however, now ailing patients - with a number of ‘recovered’ patients being diagnosed with black fungus infections.

The infections can have a severe impact on patients, with high mortality rates being recorded alongside the high mortality rates for coronavirus in the country.

What is black fungus?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mucormycosis is:

“A serious but rare fungal infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes. These molds live throughout the environment. Mucormycosis mainly affects people who have health problems or take medicines that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness.

“It most commonly affects the sinuses or the lungs after inhaling fungal spores from the air.”

The disease causes blurred or double vision, discolouration of the note, chest pain, coughing blood and breathing difficulties. It is commonly associated with people who have diabetes.

It’s most aggressive in those who have a weakened immune system.

Can it be treated?

Black fungus can be treated, with treatment including anti-fungal medicines, and, in some cases, surgically removing all infected tissue.