Mucormycosis (Black Fungus)
Why it Matters?
An ICMR-led national study has highlighted the long-term health, psychological, and economic impacts of mucormycosis in post-COVID India, urging life-restoring care beyond life-saving interventions.
What You Should Know?
Mucormycosis, also called Black Fungus, is a rare but serious fungal infection caused by mucormycetes.
It is commonly found in soil, plants, and decaying organic matter.
It primarily affects immunocompromised individuals, such as those with uncontrolled diabetes, COVID-19, cancer, or organ transplants.
Its transmission occurs through inhalation, ingestion, or inoculation of fungal spores from the environment and is not contagious.
Its symptoms include facial pain or swelling, nasal congestion, fever, toothache, black lesions, vision problems, or altered mental status.
It can be prevented by avoiding dusty or mold-prone environments, using masks, and hygienic wound care, especially after exposure to soil or floodwaters.