What is Black Fungus and where has it been found?

While Covid19 cases are increasing rapidly, government and health experts are gearing up for the third wave of coronavirus along with treating people. The B-1617 variant of coronavirus, first identified in India, has already been classified as a 'variant of concern' at the global level by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Along with this, reports of a mysterious infection, 'black fungus' affecting COVID patients are doing rounds. Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, can turn dangerous if left untreated, doctors have warned. The re-emergence of the rare deadly fungal infection among Covid-19 patients has caused major concerns. It has been found across hospitals in Delhi, Pune and Ahmedabad.

The fungal infection is caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes. These molds live throughout the environment. Mucormycosis mainly affects people who have health problems or take medicines that lower the body's ability to fight germs and sickness. While there have been more than 200 cases of black fungus infection, it is also reported in people who have recovered from covid.