Black fungus or fake fungus

As of now  28,252 cases of black fungus has been reported from all over the INDIA.

Mumbai & Gujarat has majority of cases .

                                                                              By Dr.Harsh vardhan                                                              Union health minister      

                       

• 1st case of black fungus was reported in Gujrat  in 15 year old boy ,recently recovered from the covid-19 disease . 

• 1st case of Karnataka reported in child suffering from acute juvenile diabetes.

                                                                            By Hindustantimes.com

What is black fungus ?

• It a very rare & life threatening infection if neglected .
• Caused by mucor moulds commonly found in soil ,air ,plants rotten fruits & vegetables.
• 50% morbidity 

Sign & symptoms of black fungus 

1). Unilateral / one sided headache

2).Unilateral/ one sided pain

3).Numbness

4). Nose related 

• stuffy nose 
• Black crust / discharge 
• Blood tinged discharge 
• Difficulty in breathing                                   

5). Mouth & face related

• Pain or Loosening of teeth 
• Face swelling

      

6).Eyes related
   

• Swelling of eye
• Dropping of eye lid
• Diplopia/ Double vision 
•  Loss of vision
• Loss of eye movement

People at risk 

1). Diabetic : 95% patient of black fungus

Has a history  of diabetes .

2). Already having any infection like covid - 19 :  86% patient of  black fungus  had a history of  covid . 

3).Misuse of steroids  : 

In the second wave of covid ,steroids ( hydrocortisone or  dexamethasone) have been used as treatment .

4). Immunocompromised patients 

• HIV
• Cancer or  on chemotherapy 
• Chronic kidney disease

Treatment 

If symptoms occure,

Immediately visit hospital .

1). Sugar control 

2). Stop steroids 

3).  Amphotericin B  is given as choice of drug.

4). Surgical removal of necrotic tissue for penetration of drug.

                                                                                  By Dr. Rahil chaudhary 

                                                                                Eye 7 eye hospital, ND 

Prevention 

1).Good control of blood sugar 

 2). Diabetic &  Those on steroids regularly monitor blood sugar levels.

Try to keep

Random blood sugar less than 180 mg/ dl.

3).Stop misuse of steroids like dexamethasone & prednisolone etc.

                                                                     By Dr. Randeep Guleri 

                                                                         Director of AIIMS

4).Avoid rotten fruits & Vegetable

5).Wear mask : As it protects us from spores of fungus suspended in the air .