Given the rise in the number of critical COVID-19 patients, the number of people fighting various types of fungal infections has also increased in the country. In the past month only cases of mucormycosis have appeared, claiming lives and spreading fear among people. To date, four forms of fungal infections have been reported in different parts of India.
– Black fungus: The black fungus disease, now dubbed an “epidemic” by the authorities, has wreaked havoc in the lives of many people. It is caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes that are airborne and can infect the sinuses, lungs, and chest cavities when inhaled by a sick patient.
– White fungus: Similar to black fungus infections, the white fungus disease is also caused by fungal molds, which are known in the environment as “Mucormycetes”. While these infections are not contagious, any immunocompromised person can become infected with the infection if they come in contact with a surface that contains these molds.
– Yellow fungus: Reports indicate that the first case of yellow fungus infection was found in Ghaziabad, UP in India. A yellow fungal infection, similar to any other fungal infection, spreads through contaminated environments or when a suspect patient inhales molds (mycomets) that grow in the area.
– Aspergillosis fungal infection: In addition to the black, white and yellow fungus, cases of a new fungal infection called aspergillosis were detected in two government hospitals in Vadodara, Gujarat last week. Aspergillosis is also predominantly found in COVID-19 patients or those who have recently recovered from the disease.
