Amidst a rise in coronavirus cases in India, there have been several cases linked to the Black Fungus infection, known as mucormycosis. People infected with this fungus have an extremely high fatality rate. As a result, the central government asks states to notify Black Fungus or mucormycosis an epidemic.
However, now an infection called white fungus has also been detected in some people. Four cases of White Fungus infection, which is considered more dangerous than Black Fungus, have been reported from Patna, Bihar.
According to doctors, the White Fungus poses a risk to patients who are on oxygen support and reportedly cause skin damage among them. It also affects several organs of patients at once.
What is White Fungus and how it affects the body?
According to reports, the White Fungus is another fungal infection that develops inside the body just like the Black Fungus. However, it has been said that the White Fungus is more deadly than the Black Fungus and if not detected timely can lead to the death of the patient.
It is reportedly said that the White Fungus affects the lungs of the patients as well as other parts of the body including nails, skin, stomach, kidney, brain, private parts and mouth.
What causes White Fungus?
This infection can be caused due to low immunity or if people come in contact with things that contain these moulds like water.
What are the symptoms?
It's important to be aware of symptoms and any danger signs from the very beginning. The symptoms of White Fungus are similar to those of coronavirus.
Medical experts have also suggested that just like severe COVID-19 cases require additional scans, a test similar to the HRCT scan may be required to trace the White Fungus infection.
It was also observed that all four patients who had White Fungus infection did showcase respiratory symptoms similar to those found in COVID-19 patients but their RT-PCR report was negative.
According to experts, White Fungus infection could affect the vital functioning of the body, in comparison to Black Fungus that affects just the sinus and lungs.
Who all are vulnerable to White Fungus?
Just like the Black Fungus, the White Fungus also attacks the person with severe diabetes and a weak immune system.
However, COVID-19 patients are more prone to White Fungus as it affects the lungs and similar symptoms are created like that of coronavirus.
Other factors such as diabetic patients and those who are on steroids which suppress the immune system make a patient vulnerable to catching the fungal infection.
Additionally, the White Fungus infection may be risky for pregnant women and children, as per reports. Hence, proper emphasis should be laid on sanitization and cleaning of supplies, environment, since moulds can be directly inhaled by a suspected patient, experts suggest.
Also Read: What is ‘Mucormycosis’ or ‘Black Fungus’ and How Does it Impact COVID-19 Patients?
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