ICMR Issues Advisory On Mucormycosis - Know How To Fight The Covid-Triggered Black Fungus Infection

While several states are seeing a rise in the number of Mucromycosis or Black Fungus cases, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has released an evidence-based advisory for its treatment

Mucormycosis or Black Fungus

Delhi: While several states are seeing a rise in the number of Mucromycosis or Black Fungus cases, Haryana on Saturday has declared it as a notified disease. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has released an evidence-based advisory for its treatment. 

What is Mucromycosis or Black Fungus? 

It is a fungal infection that especially affects people who are on medication for other health issues. The infection eventually reduces the ability to fight pathogens.

Who are at Risk?

• Those with uncontrolled diabetes.
• Prolonged ICU stay.
• Immunosuppression by steroids
• Comorbidities-post transplant/malignancy.

Symptoms

• Pain and redness around eyes and/or nose.
• Fever, Headache, Coughing.
• Shortness of breath.
• Bloody vomits.
• Altered mental status.

When to suspect?

• Sinusitis-nasal blockade or congestion.
• Nasal discharge (blackish/bloody).
• Local pain on the cheek bone.
• One-sided facial pain, numbness or swelling.
• Toothache.
• Blurred or double vision with pain.
• Chest pain, worsening of respiratory symptoms.

Do's

• Control hyperglycemia.
• Monitor blood glucose level post-covid discharge.
• Use steroid judiciously.
• Use clean water for humidifiers during oxygen therapy.
• Use antibiotics/antifungals judiciously.

Don'ts

• Do not miss warning signs and symptoms.
• Do not consider all cases with a blocked nose is due to fungus.
• Do not hesitate to seek interventions.
• Tests like KOH staining, microscopy, culture, MALDITOF can be done to detect fungal etiology.
• Don’t hesitate to initiate treatment.

The government of Telangana on Saturday issued guidelines to all the hospitals with subject reading: "Urgent precautionary measures to prevent Mucormycosis during COVID."