Why the disease is in news?

Mucormycosis, a serious fungal infection has been observed in a number of Covid-19 patients recently.

-A rare but serious fungal infection, known as mucormycosis and known as “black fungus”, is being detected relatively frequently among Covid-19 patients with low immunity in some states.

How disease it is caused?

- It is caused by  moulds known as mucormycetes present naturally in the environment.

-It mainly affects people  on heavy medication for health problems that reduces their ability to fight environmental pathogens .

-Usually, mucormycetes does not pose a major threat to those with a healthy immune system.

What are the symptoms of the disease?

-Warning signs include pain and redness around the eyes or nose, with fever, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, bloody vomits, and altered mental status .

How the disease can be managed?

-The  blood glucose level of the patients should be monitored among post-Covid discharge .

- In diabetic patients; steroids should be used judiciously in correct timing, dose and duration;

-Clean sterile water should be used in humidifiers during oxygen therapy.

 -Antibiotics and antifungal medicines should be used correctly .