Amid rising Mucor mycosis cases among people suffering from COVID-19 infections or those who have recovered from it, several myths about the disease are doing the rounds, especially on social media. India reported over 11,700 cases of Mucor mycosis as on May 26, with five states accounting for 65% of the infections, according to the government data. The cases of the fungal infection will come down with the decrease in COVID-19 cases.
Mucor mycosis: Myth vs Reality
Myth 1: Black fungus is another name for Mucor mycosis.
Reality: Dr Guleria says Mucor mycosis is not a black fungus. “It is a misnomer, because there is some discoloration of skin among the patients due to decreased blood supply; it may give a feeling that the area has become black, which is why the name."
Myth 2: The fungus causing the much-dreaded Mucor mycosis is present in household items like vegetables and refrigerators.
Reality: A long Facebook post in Hindi suggests that the black layer on onions or the black film seen on the rubber inside refrigerators is the black fungus. The fungus, which forms a black mould inside a refrigerator and the one that forms a black layer over onions are different from the one causing Mucor mycosis.
Myth 3: Raw fruits cause Mucor mycosis
Reality: Dr Guleria confirmed that there is no data to suggest that a person can develop Mucor mycosis by consuming raw fruits.
Myth 4: Use of steroids causes Mucor mycosis
Reality: Doctors say that the use of steroids in the treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia in appropriate doses can be lifesaving.
Dr Guleria said doctors just have to be very careful about the use of steroids, and not start with it early in the course of the disease. “There is data, which suggests that early use of steroids predisposes to secondary infection, both bacterial and fungal. Also, the doses and their duration need to be closely monitored," Guleria told CNN-News18.
Source : www.cnbctv18.com
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