Mucormycosis or Black Fungus is a serious but rare fungal infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes. These fungi live throughout the environment, particularly in soil and in decaying organic matter, such as leaves, compost piles, or rotten wood. People can get mucormycosis by coming in contact with fungal spores present in the environment.
Mucormycosis usually occur in people who have health problems or take medicines that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness. While fungal spores are present everywhere, immuno-competent (healthy immune system) patients are not affected by them. But, people who are immunocompromised are at higher risk.
Ahmedabad city has registered at least 44 cases of Mucormycosis, out of which nine patients have died. Mostly the patients are with lower immunity after recovery from Covid-19.
The first death from Mucormycosis from Vadodara is of a 70-year- old lady, who died in a private hospital during Corona treatment. She started bleeding from her nose and lost sensation from her face during the treatment.
The elderly woman from Rajpipla was undergoing treatment for Corona at a private hospital, died after suffering from Mucormycosis. As per Dr. Jayesh Rajpara, three days ago she started bleeding from her nose and her reports were sent for testing. From the biopsy report, she was diagnosed with Mucormycosis.
Clinical symptoms of Mucormycosis were also observed in the elderly. Her body samples have been sent for advance checking. Dr. Jayesh Rajpara said people with low immunity are prone to this disease and this is the first case in his hospital. Many other cases are also detected in other hospitals in the city.
