Black Fungus

What Is Black Fungus?

Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, is a rare but dangerous infection. It's caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes which can inhale / come into contact with in things like soil, rotting produce or bread, or compost pilesand often affects the sinuses, lungs, skin, and brain.

The infection can also spread to other parts of your body through your blood. This is called disseminated mucormycosis. When this happens, the fungus can affect organs like your spleen and heart. In severe cases, you may have changes to your mental state or go into a coma. It can even be deadly.

Who Is at Risk?

Most people will come into contact with the fungus at some point in their everyday lives. But you're more likely to get sick if you have a weakened immune system because of a medication you're taking or because you have a health condition. Black fungus infection can happen to anyone at any age. 

You're more likely to affcect if you have a health condition like:

Diabetes, especially when it isn't under control
HIV or AIDS

Cancer
Organ transplant
Stem cell transplant
Neutropenia (low white blood cell count)
Long-term steroid use
Injected drug use
High levels of iron in your body (hemochromatosis)
Bad health from poor nutrition
Uneven levels of acid in your body (metabolic acidosis)
Premature birth or low birth weight
skin injury like a burn, cut, or wound

And cases have been reported in people with COVID-19.

Mucormycosis / Black Fungus isn't contagious.

Symptoms of  Black Fungus / Mucormycosis

The symptoms of Black Fungus depend on where the fungus is growing.
If your skin is infected, the area can look blistered, red, or swollen. It might turn black or feel warm or painful.

Symptoms may include:

Fever
Cough
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Swelling on one side of your face
Headache
Sinus congestion
Black lesions on the bridge of your nose or the inside of your mouth
Belly pain
Nausea and vomiting
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Blood in your stool
Diarrhea

Mucormycosis Prevention

• Stay away from areas with a lot of dust or soil, like construction or excavation sites. If you have to be in these areas, wear a face mask like an N95.
• Avoid infected water.
• Protect your skin with shoes, gloves, long pants, and long sleeves.
• Wash cuts or scrapes with soap and water as soon as you can.