What : Mucormycosis (previously called zygomycosis) is a serious but rare fungal infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes. These molds live throughout the environment, particularly soil. It is also called as black fungus.

Spread of Mucormycosis:

• People can spread black fungus on coming in contact with the spores from the environment.

• In case of the lung or sinus infection the person can be infected after inhaling the spores from the air. A skin infection can occur after the fungus enters the skin through a scrape, burn, or other type of skin injury.
• Who can be infected with Mucormycosis/ Black Fungus? :
• Mucormycosis mainly affects people who have health problems or take medicines that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness.

What happens when one contracts it?

• Warning signs include pain and redness around the eyes or nose, with fever, headache, coughing, shortness of breath, bloody vomits, and altered mental status.
• According to the advisory, infection with mucormycetes should be suspected when there is:

* Sinusitis — nasal blockade or congestion, nasal discharge (blackish/bloody);

* Local pain on the cheek bone, one-sided facial pain, numbness or swelling;

* Blackish discoloration over bridge of nose/palate;

* Loosening of teeth, jaw involvement;

* Blurred or double vision with pain;

* Thrombosis, necrosis, skin lesion;

* Chest pain, pleural effusion, worsening of respiratory symptoms.

Recent news : Black fungus cases are raising in covid recovered patients of Karnataka

Karnataka declared BLACK FUNGUS as notifiable disease.

What is a notifiable disease: A notifiable disease is any disease that is required by law to be reported to government authorities. The collation of information allows the authorities to monitor the disease, and provides early warning of possible outbreaks