Mucormycotic, commonly known as “black fungus,” is a rare infection cause by exposure to the fungus Micro, part of the Mucoralean family widely found in soil, plants, manure, rotting fruits, and vegetables.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -CDC- for its acronym in English, these fungi are ubiquitous and “live throughout the environment,”, particularly in the soil and decomposing organic matter.
This infection has several types depending on the region of the body they attack, such as the rhino cerebral (sinus and brain), the pulmonary, the gastrointestinal, or the one that infests the skin.
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Table of Contents
How is it Acquired? – Black Fungus
First, what should be known is that humans acquire the black fungus by coming into contact with the spores present in the air and the environment. It can also occur on the skin “after a cut, burn or another skin injury. According to the CDC specifies, but what does not happen is transmission between people.
The second is that it mainly affects patients with fundamental health problems such as diabetes, HIV, or others; or who take medications that reduce the body’s ability to fight germs and diseases, as is the case with people diagnose with Covid-19.
“This pathogen mainly affects patients with uncompensated diabetes, AIDS, iatrogenic immunosuppression. In addition and bone marrow and organ transplants,” said Eve Sylvain Alighieri, head of the response to Covid-19 of the Pan American Health Organization. -OPS-.
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What are the Signs and Symptoms?
People with a fungal infection often have symptoms of nasal congestion and bleeding. In addition. Also, swelling and pain in the eyes, drooping eyelids, blurred vision, black spots on the skin around the nose, and finally, the loss of some of the eyes.
In extreme cases, doctors must surgically remove the eye affected by the fungus to prevent it from reaching the brain and causing the patient’s death. Some losing both eyes. In rare cases, they have had to remove the jaw bone to prevent spread to the rest of the skull.
How to Prevent It?
As explained by experts, the best way to protect yourself is by controlling risk factors by following the following recommendations:
- do not self-medicate
- Go immediately to the doctor before the appearance of any symptoms
- Frequent and correct hand washing with soap and water for at least 40 seconds
- The use of the mask at all times
- Cleaning and disinfection of the surfaces of our home
- Avoid leaving garbage inside the house for a long time
- Prevent farm animals from entering and staying inside the home
- Change and discard disposable masks every 8 hours; in the case of reusable ones, they must be washed daily.
Mucormycotic in Paraguay – Black Fungus
Mucormycotic is a disease known for several years and document in Paraguay. In 2009, four cases were report that were treat in the chair of otolaryngology at the Hospital de Clinicals. In addition. Inn 2017, a report was publish that refer to the detection of “black fungus” cases. Prepared by professionals from the Department of Dermatology of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the UNA. Of the Itagui National Hospital, of the Department of Pathological Anatomy of the Ministry of Health and a private laboratory in Asunción. In an investigation of rhino cerebral mucormycotic.
This condition can be diagnose with predictable techniques in microbiology laboratories (stains for fungi and cultures). And requires intravenous antifungal treatment and usually debridement of the affected area.
Conclusion
Moreover. The best way to protect yourself is by controlling risk factors. Always use corticosteroids under medical supervision and good glycemic control in diabetics. Says Dr. Viviana de Egea, head of Communicable Disease Surveillance.
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