As the second wave of COVID-19 continues to rage across India, some parts of the country have begun witnessing the resurgence of COVID-19-induced “black fungus” cases. This fungal infection, which caused many patients to lose their eyesight last year, has emerged in several hospitals in Delhi and Gujarat this week.In spite of its prevalence since the beginning of the pandemic, doubts still linger over the nature of this fungal infection. Here are some answers to those doubts and other frequently asked questions:Q. What is black fungus?Black fungus, also known as MUCORMYCOSIS, is a rare fungal infection. It is called “black” because of the color of the fungal growth. It is caused by exposure to mucor mold which is found in soil, manure, and rotten/decaying fruits & vegetables. It is ubi
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Mucormycosis, dubbed "black fungus" is usually most aggressive in patients whose immune systems are weakened by other infections. Diabetics suffering from COVID-19 who are being given steroids have a high chance of being affected by mucormycosis or "black fungus", All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Randeep Guleria said on Saturday, as hospitals report a rise in the rare but potentially fatal infection. "Mucormycosis spores are found in soil, air and even in food. But they are of low virulence and usually do not causes infection. There were very few cases of this infection before Covid. Now a large number of cases are being reported due to Covid," he said at a news briefing. Flagging "a misuse of steroids" as a major cause behind the cases, Dr Guleria urg...
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