What is black fungus? A deadly infection affecting coronavirus patients

The situation in India regarding Covid-19 is dramatic. Every day more than 300,000 infected people and 3,500 deaths are reported. In the last hours the World Organization, based on scientific research that warns of its rapid spread, has launched a level of alert worldwide. To all this we must add that the Indian authorities have detected the appearance of the so-called black fungus in some patients with coronavirus. It is a very rare and sometimes fatal infection. Clinically called mucormycosis, it is a fungal infection of the brain, sinuses, or lungs. The direct cause is inhalation of fungal spores. As for the symptoms, they can vary from one patient to another, but the most common are: severe headache, vomiting with blood, shortness of breath, itchy eyes and nose, and even altered mental status in the most severe stages. The black fungus, if left untreated, can be fatal. Indian public hospitals are already preparing separate treatment rooms for infected patients. Health workers collect bodies from a hospital that burned with hundreds of Covid patients inside in India. Photo: AFPAtul Patel, a doctor specializing in infectious diseases, has spoken with the Efe agency, and has explained that the black fungus that has been detected in some patients with Covid-19 in India is more frequent in people with a weakened immune system. That is, they suffer from diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes. or have recently received an organ transplant.About the incidence, Atul Patel points out that the cases of black fungus infection are currently four or five times more numerous than before the pandemic. In the state of Maharashtra, where the city of Mumbai is located, 300 cases have been recorded, according to Khusrav Bajan, a consultant at the Hinduja National Hospital in Mumbai. 300 cases have also been reported in four cities in Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, the largest of all. For its part, the Indian National Task Force for the coronavirus explains that the infection mostly affects people who are undergoing treatment. doctor for other problems. In this case, the drugs reduce the body’s ability to fight pathogens found in the environment.