Short Answer: Yes
Short explanation: As the fungus is invasive and destroys normal anatomy; could lead to blindness or even worse death
What is the black fungus?
Belonging to the family of Mucorales; the mucormycosis is not actually what we are referring to as the black fungus. Infact black fungus is actually an edible fungus grown elsewhere. But Mucormycosis is being called the black fungus as the skin around the infection site turns black.
Who are at risk?
Mucormycosis infection is not a new disease. Earlier it was seen in immunocompromised individuals like AIDS or transplant recipients.In the COVID era, due to the surplus use of steroids plus diabetes both leading to spike in blood sugar levels favouring fungi growth.
Use of steroids or diabetes is not new; then why this new infection?
Many doctors believe that the use of ZINC has propelled the growth of this fungus. Still this has to be proved and studies are under way.However decreased immunity and high blood sugar levels remain the top risk factors.
Is it contagious to other patients?
Anyone with good immunity will rarely be affected as we have already been exposed to this multiple times in our lives. People with known immunocompromised status need to take extra precautions.
What are the symptoms?
Most common symptoms could be due to involvement of
1)Nose - Pain on one side of face, Nasal stuffiness, blood mixed discharge, discolouration around cheeks
2)Eye- double vision, eye pain, redness
3)Brain- confusion, irritable.
Other rare organs that maybe involved include Lungs.
How to diagnose?
Nasal Endoscopy plays a key role in visualisation of the tissue involved.It also helps in taking a sample for microscopy which remains the gold standard investigation.Other imaging modalities include CT scan and MRI to know the extent of damage.
Treatment options: Surgical debridement plays key role in removing the necrotic dead tissue. Reconstruction maybe required if tissue removed is large. Drug of choice remains Liposomal Amphotericin B and Posoconazole tablets during recovery period. Revisits to the ENT clinic during prognosis is recommended.