Multiple cases of mucormycosis (Black Fungal Infection)and death have been reported in COVID-19 patients across Pakistan.
An infectious disease specialist seeking anonymity announced that many health centers in the country have recorded cases and deaths from mucormycosis, but did not report them because it is extremely difficult to identify the infection at its early stages.
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Mucormycosis, also known as “black fungus,” is a rare but fatal fungal infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes.
The infection affects COVID-19 patients with underlying health problems such as diabetes and prolonged ICU stays.
Early symptoms of mucormycosis include sinus pain or nasal congestion on one side of the face, unilateral headache, swelling or numbness, toothache, and loosening of the teeth.
A black fungus causes blackness or discoloration of the nose, blurred or double vision, chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood.
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These mucormycosis symptoms are closely related to diabetes, which can be made worse by using steroids to treat severe COVID-19 such as dexamethasone.
In addition to Pakistan, India, the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Austria, Brazil, and Mexico have reported cases and deaths from black fungus.
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