Don’t use the term color for fungus: AIIMS

As the black fungus identified in COVID patients, followed by white and now yellow variants leads to a lot of confusion, AIIMS Director Dr. Randeep Guleria advised better not to use the term ‘black fungus’ while talking of Mucormycosis.

In a statement to the media, He said, all the fungus should be identified by their names, rather than by their color. In general, there are various types of fungal infections such as Candida, Aspergillosis, Cryptococcus, Histoplasmosis, and Coccidioidomycosis.

However, Mucormycosis, Candida, and Aspergillosis are the ones observed more in those with low immunity.

Symptoms of Mucormycosis are one-sided facial swelling, headache, nasal, or sinus congestion, black lesions on the nasal bridge or upper side of the mouth that quickly become more severe and fever.

This infection is seen very rarely in those who are either diabetic or taking steroids. Maintaining hygiene is very important since the chances of opportunistic infection are very high. Ensure cleaning of humidifiers regularly.