Rohit Shishodia

With an increasing number of cases of Mucormycosis post Covid in different states, Indian Health Ministry has come up with dos and don'ts to protect from the deadly fungal infection which is not only infecting but also killing patients.

The ministry has advised people who have recovered from Covid to use steroids judiciously and keep good hygiene. Mucormycosis, a fungal infection, is being reported in a few Covid-19 patients during or post recovery.

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope had earlier informed that more than 2000 people had already been affected by this fungal infection in the state. Ten people had even succumbed to it. Some patients even lost their eyesight.

Mucormycosis, or black fungus, is a complication caused by fungal infection. People catch mucormycosis by coming in contact with the fungal spores in the environment. It can also develop on the skin after the fungus enters the skin through a cut, scrape, burn, or other type of skin trauma.

The disease is being detected among patients who are recovering or have recovered from Covid-19. Moreover, anyone who is diabetic and whose immune system is not functioning well needs to be on guard against this.

Indian Council of Medical Research has said conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, weakening of immune system due to use of steroids, prolonged ICU/hospital stay, co-morbidities / post organ transplant / cancer, voriconazole therapy (used to treat serious fungal infections) increase the risk of mucormycosis infection.   

The disease is caused by a set of micro-organisms known as mucormycetes, which are present naturally in the environment, seen mostly in soil and in decaying organic matter like leaves, compost and piles.

The ministry has said that in normal course, body’s immune system successfully fights such fungal infections. However, It is well known that Covid-19 affects the immune system.

“Moreover, the treatment of Covid-19 patients involves intake of drugs like dexamethasone, which suppress our immune system's response. Due to these factors, Covid-19 patients face a renewed risk of failing the battle against attacks mounted by organisms such as mucormycetes,” said the ministry.

The ministry has pointed out that in addition, Covid patients undergoing oxygen therapy in ICU, where humidifiers are used, are prone to fungal infection because of exposure to moisture.