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 transplants or people who are on immunosuppressants or on a ventilator for a long period of time are at higher risk."

How can black fungus be treated?

Dr Mathew explains that the treatment of Mucormycosis involves a combination of surgical debridement of involved tissues and antifungal therapy. She says, "Intravenous (IV) Amphotericin-B is part of antifungal therapy. The usual starting dose is 5 mg/kg daily of Liposomal Amphotericin-B or Amphotericin-B Lipid Complex, and many clinicians will increase the dose up as high as 10 mg/kg daily to control this infection. But this cannot be taken without the doctor's prescription and is to be administered only in an hospital setting. The duration of this treatment is three weeks, followed by oral medicines for another three to six weeks."

How can we protect ourselves from black fungus?

The doctor says:

• The most effective way to prevent the black fungus is to wear a mask while venturing out, especially to gardens, dusty areas, where there is garbage bumping or food rotting.
• Secondly, wear long clothes and have less exposure to skin.
• Most importantly for diabetic and other immune-compromised people, controlling sugar levels and blood glucose is a must.
• People who are prescribed steroids should be constantly monitored and the dosage should be reduced in consultation with your doctor.
• Importantly, steroids must only be taken after consulting with your doctor do not self medicate.

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