Many cases of Mucormycosis, that is often termed as ‘Black Fungus’ and “some deaths due to it” have been reported among Covid-19 patients at different hospitals all over Pakistan, infectious diseases specialists has clarified.
“We have seen at least five cases of Mucormycosis also called, Black Fungus, among serious Covid -19 patients under treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the health facility. At least four patients died due to this complication. At least two more centers also have reported Mucormycosis cases among Covid -19 patients,” a physician dealing with Covid -19 patients mentioned.
As stated by infectious diseases experts, Mucormycosis is a fatal and toxic fungal infection indetified in some serious Covid-19 patients with severe diabetes and extended intensive care unit (ICU) visit.
“This fungal infection mainly affects people on medications that weaken their immune system and reduce their ability to fight environmental pathogens. The Covid -19 patients already have low immunity and they are also given steroids so they become an easy target of Black Fungus,” the expert said
“It is the same fungus that grows on bread. The black one,” he explained.
“The Mucormycosis and other moulds including ,CAPA are also being seen among COVID-19 patients, which is Covid-19 Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis,”
