India is reeling under the catastrophic effects of thesecond wave of Covid-19 and is not only recording highest spike in cases butcasualties too. The prevailing wave has not ended yet and the threat ofinevitable third wave is looming over the country. Meanwhile, a mysteriousinfection cases are being reported across India especially among the Covidpatients. The black fungal infection which is medically called ‘mucormycosis’has infected more than 200 patients within the nation’s geographicalboundaries.
How Covid 19 patients contract Mucormycosis?
Patients’ contract mucormycosis aka black fungalinfection by inhaling a group of moulds (mucormycosis) present in the air. Theseinhaled moulds then spread into the lungs, cavities and chest cavities andcauses the detrimental effects in a patients’ body. If a Covid positive patientcontracts this infection his health condition might worsen. According to theexperts, the reason is yet ascertain how this infection is linked to the Covidpatients. However, it is being believed that high dependency on steroids usedto 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 facialdeformity, impair sensory and vital organs. Apart from this, there are certainsymptoms 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 thenafter travelling down it attacks the sinus cavities and nerves. This consequentlycauses persistent pain and severe headaches.
2. Vision Impairment
If you see the changes to the eyes or vision distortion it could be a sign ofarising black fungal infection. As the fungus grows and spreads, it can causevisual distortion. Apart from this, swelling in one eye, blurry vision,bloodshot eyes are other symptoms.
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 chancesare 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 memoryloss, 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 aroundthe nose and eyes. In some cases, the extreme growth of fungal infection can alsolead to teeth or jaw loss.