Mucormycosis: After black, white, first case of yellow fungus appears in Ghaziabad

After the country has seen a significant rise in the number of black and white fungus cases, also known as Mucormycosis, a patient has been diagnosed with 'yellow fungus' in the nation's capital region, unconfirmed reports suggest. The first case of yellow fungus was reported in Ghaziabad on Monday, Zee News reported. The patient, currently admitted at ENT surgeon Dr Brij Pal Tyagi's hospital, showed symptoms of weight loss, low appetite, weight loss and leakage of pus. The 'yellow fungus' reportedly affects the healing process of wounds by slowing it down. Like black fungus, it's also a fatal disease, which ultimately results in sunken eyes and necrosis.

The health ministry has not confirmed the report so far.

Meanwhile, black fungus and white fungus cases are being reported from various parts of the country. Mucormycosis is a fungal infection, which shows in a few COVID-19 patients during or post recovery. In Maharashtra alone, over 2,000 people had already been affected by this fungal infection in the state, of which some patients even lost their eyesight and 10 people succumbed to it.

What causes Mucormycosis?

Black fungus is a complication caused by fungal infection. People catch mucormycosis by coming in contact with the fungal spores in the environment. It can also develop on the skin after the fungus enters the skin through a cut, scrape, burn, or other type of skin trauma.

The disease is being detected among patients who are recovering or have recovered from COVID-19. Moreover, anyone who is diabetic and whose immune system is not functioning well needs to be on the guard against this.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research advisory, these conditions in COVID-19 patients increase the risk of mucormycosis infection:

•     Uncontrolled diabetes
•     Weakening of immune system due to use of steroids
•     Prolonged ICU/hospital stay
•     Comorbidities/post-organ transplant/cancer
•     Voriconazole therapy (used to treat serious fungal infections)

What are the common symptoms?

Mucormycosis begins to manifest as skin infection in the air pockets located behind our forehead, nose, cheekbones, and in between the eyes and teeth. It then spreads to eyes, lungs and can even spread to the brain. It leads to blackening or discoloration over the nose, blurred or double vision, chest pain, breathing difficulties and coughing of blood.

Also read: COVID-19: Centre releases advisory on mucormycosis, says may turn fatal

Also read: Black Fungus cases on rise in Gujarat; state govt sets up separate wards for patients