The disease began to be associated in India with COVID-19 after thousands of cases of patients with this infection were registered between 12 and 18 days after recovering from the coronavirus; however, it was already known before the start of the pandemic.
The Uruguayan health authorities detected the second case of black fungus in the country and have two more under study.
"The important thing is not the identification of a case but the warning that the immune wear caused by COVID-19 can leave fertile ground for other infections," said the doctor and infectologist Henry Albornoz, who treated the first patient, “These fungi are frequent in the environment, but per year we do not see more than two or three cases of infections in humans. The question that we have now is what is the cause of the appearance of more cases: is it that there are more serious patients in general and then it is only a statistical reflection? Is it that we doctors are more attentive and seek more? Or is there something else that we don't know about? ”, The mycologist Zaida Arteta told local media.
Mucormycosis, informally called ‘black fungus’, is a rare disease that occurs from exposure to mucor, a fungus generally found on the floor, plants, and decaying fruits and vegetables. In fact, it is so common that it is the cause of cheeses having a greenish tint after they have not eaten for a long time in the refrigerator or the bread becomes moldy.
The fungus is transmitted through spores found in the air or in the environment. It is not a contagious ailment, so it is not transmitted by contact between humans or animals.
There is something characteristic, which is that it causes dark colored spots around the nose. At the same time, all those who have this infection may begin to have nasal congestion and / or bleeding, swelling and pain in one or both eyes, and blurred vision.
Mucormycosis affects the sinuses, lungs, and brain. It can sometimes be fatal in people with diabetes or those who are immunosuppressed, such as those with HIV or cancer.
According to some specialists, mucormycosis can be prevented by cleaning spaces, avoiding dust and getting rid of food waste that begins to decompose as soon as possible.