India is reeling under the catastrophic effects of the
second wave of Covid-19 and is not only recording highest spike in cases but
casualties too. The prevailing wave has not ended yet and the threat of
inevitable third wave is looming over the country. Meanwhile, a mysterious
infection cases are being reported across India especially among the Covid
patients. The black fungal infection which is medically called ‘mucormycosis’
has infected more than 200 patients within the nation’s geographical
boundaries.
How Covid 19 patients contract Mucormycosis?
Patients’ contract mucormycosis aka black fungal infection by inhaling a group of moulds (mucormycosis) present in the air. These inhaled moulds then spread into the lungs, cavities and chest cavities and causes the detrimental effects in a patients’ body. If a Covid positive patient contracts this infection his health condition might worsen. According to the experts, the reason is yet ascertain how this infection is linked to the Covid patients. However, it is being believed that high dependency on steroids used to treat inflammation or pre-existing disease such as diabetes.
What are the early signs and symptoms of mucormycosis?
The signs of black fungal infection include facial deformity, impair sensory and vital organs. Apart from this, there are certain symptoms that could help you identify the black fungal infection:
1. Excruciating Headaches
It happens when a patient inhales the fungal moulds present in the air and then
after travelling down it attacks the sinus cavities and nerves. This consequently
causes persistent pain and severe headaches.
2. Vision Impairment
If you see the changes to the eyes or vision distortion it could be a sign of
arising black fungal infection. As the fungus grows and spreads, it can cause
visual distortion. Apart from this, swelling in one eye, blurry vision,
bloodshot eyes are other symptoms.
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3. Swelling on Face
Swelling of cheeks, swelling and pain on the one side of the face, numbness on the face can be the initial symptoms of the infection. Apart from swelling, can also affect the skin health as chances
are higher to get derma disease symptoms like necrosis, lesions, etc.
4. Altered Mental State/ Confusion
Once entered the body, the fungus can travel up to the brain and can cause memory
loss, altered state of mind, delirium or neurological impairment.
5. Discoloration around the bridge of the nose
Apart from facial swelling, mucormycosis can also cause black patches around
the nose and eyes. In some cases, the extreme growth of fungal infection can also
lead to teeth or jaw loss.
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