Black Fungus: Why is it Dangerous And How to Protect Ourselves From it.
What is black fungus? Also known as 'mucormycosis', black fungus is a rare kind of fungal infection affecting 1 in 10,00,000 people, but with an overall mortality rate of 50 per cent. The disease is often characterised by hyphae growing in and around blood vessels and can be potentially life-threatening in diabetic or severely immunocompromised individuals. Why is black fungus so dangerous? The doctor explains that black fungus can cause blindness, organ dysfunction, loss of body tissue, and even death if not treated on time. She says, "Active screening and early intervention are a must. It can affect areas from where it can be inhaled through the nose/ sinus/ lung. If it enters from a wound or skin, it can cause a local infection. But if it enters from the sinus, it can involve the eyes and brain. Poor control in Diabetes is the biggest cause for the rising number especially post-COVID. Also, patients with immune-compromised systems or those who have undergone transplan...