India fungus epidemic

The Fungus epidemic in India has spread in the central region of India. More than 50,000 people have fallen ill due to mucormycosis disease. Due to the increase in cases of the second wave of COVID-19, some regions had more diseases.[1] The WHO has warned that the fungal disease is spreading, especially during the third wave of COVID-19 in India.[2]

India fungus epidemic
The cases of fungus in the World
DiseaseFungal & mucormycosis
Virus strainMucoraceae
LocationSouthern Asia
First outbreakNew Delhi, India
Index caseDelhi
Arrival dateMay 9, 2021
(3 years, 7 months, 1 week and 1 day)
Confirmed cases51,755
Active cases31,000
Deaths
4,332

Mucormycosis has spread in several regions and provinces of India such as: New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashta, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.[3]

Causes

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The epidemic is caused by a type of mucormycosis fungus with zygomycosis. It causes loss of vision by entering the human brain, redness and inflammation in other parts of the body, nasal allergies, bleeding and vomiting, occasional cough with blood in the saliva, and shortness of breath.[4]

Variants

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Fungus is a type of fungal disease that attacks the internal organs of a person. It often affects diabetics, people with weak immunity, and people with high blood pressure. The fungus also attacks those who have recovered from COVID-19 or COVID-19 patients. Fungal infections can come from unhygienic (not clean) environments.[5]

Three notable variants:

  1. White Fungus: This type is characterized by its white patches that can affect the mouth, throat, and other internal organs. It is often associated with candidiasis, which can be more severe in immunocompromised patients.
  2. Black Fungus: Known medically as mucormycosis, this severe infection primarily affects individuals with diabetes or those who have undergone significant health challenges. It can lead to serious complications.
  3. Yellow Fungus: This variant is less commonly discussed but can also pose health risks. It typically indicates a more systemic infection that may affect various organs and requires immediate medical attention.

Affected countries

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References

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  1. Pasquier, Gregoire (August 2023). "COVID-19-associated mucormycosis in India: Why such an outbreak?". Journal de Mycologie Medicale. 33 (3): 101393. doi:10.1016/j.mycmed.2023.101393. ISSN 1156-5233. PMC 10168193. PMID 37182234.
  2. Boretti, A. (2022). "Steroids Induced Black Fungus Infection in India During the May 2021 COVID-19 Outbreak". Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery : Official Publication of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India. 74 (Suppl 2): 3216–3219. doi:10.1007/s12070-021-02988-w. PMC 8592068. PMID 34804906.
  3. "Mucormycosis: The 'black fungus' maiming Covid patients in India". BBC News. 9 May 2021.
  4. Sharma, Archana; Bedi, Megha; Patel, Prachi; Singh Arora, Amarpreet (2023). "Black fungus outbreak in India – A direct consequence of COVID-19 surge: A myth or reality". Gondwana Research. 114: 117–123. Bibcode:2023GondR.114..117S. doi:10.1016/j.gr.2021.12.016. PMC 8816797. PMID 35153531.
  5. Schmall, Emily (20 June 2021). "In the Wake of India's Covid Crisis, a 'Black Fungus' Epidemic Follows". The New York Times.