News from India is showing people hospitalised for COVID -19, and particularly those who require oxygen therapy during COVID-19 illness, are at a much higher risk of Mucormycosis, often called Black Fungus. With half of all hospitalisations from COVID-19 in some countries being patients with diabetes as an underlying condition, this is an added risk.
Before the pandemic patients with uncontrolled diabetes were at a higher risk of Mucormycosis because the high blood sugar level made it easier for the fungi to grow and survive, and their weaker immune systems offered less protection against the infection.
Mucormycosis has a high mortality rate of 50 per cent and an increasing number of Covid19 patients have been developing this infection while still at the hospital or after discharge.
Some of the common symptoms include sinusitis, blackish nasal discharge, facial pain, headaches, and pain around the eyes. Medical professionals warn that both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with Covid-19 may be at risk and that treatment is available but must be given immediately.