Topics Covered: Issues related to health.
Black fungus:
Context:
It is a disease being detected relatively frequently among Covid-19 patients in some states..
About the disease:
- It is a rare but serious fungal infection.
- Also known as mucormycosis.
- The disease often manifests in the skin and also affects the lungs and the brain.
- Caused by a group of moulds known as mucormycetes present naturally in the environment.
Vulnerability:
It mainly affects people who are on medication for health problems that reduces their ability to fight environmental pathogens.
Symptoms:
- Sinuses or lungs of such individuals get affected after they inhale fungal spores from the air.
- Warning signs include pain and redness around the eyes or nose, with fever, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, bloody vomits, and altered mental status.
What’s the treatment?
Treated with antifungals.
It may eventually require surgery.
It is of utmost importance to control diabetes, reduce steroid use, and discontinue immunomodulating drugs.
Prevention:
Use masks if you are visiting dusty construction sites. Wear shoes, long trousers, long-sleeved shirts and gloves while gardening. Maintain personal hygiene including a thorough scrub bath.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- About the disease.
- Cause.
- Spread.
- Symptoms.
- Prevention.
Sources: Indian Express.
