Mucormycosis: Everything you need to know about Deadly Black Fungus

What Is Mucormycosis?

Mucormycosis, also known as black fungus, is a rare but dangerous infection. It's caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes and often affects the sinuses, lungs, skin, and brain.

You can inhale the mold spores or come into contact with them in things like soil, rotting produce or bread, or compost piles.

Who Is at Risk?

The infection can happen to anyone at any age. Most people will come into contact with the fungus at some point in their everyday lives. But you're more likely to get sick if you have a weakened immune system because of a medication you're taking or because you have a health condition like

Diabetes, especially when it isn't under control

HIV or AIDS

Cancer

Organ transplant

Stem cell transplant

Neutropenia (low white blood cell count)

Long-term steroid use

Injected drug use

High levels of iron in your body (hemochromatosis)

Bad health from poor nutrition

Uneven levels of acid in your body (metabolic acidosis)

Premature birth or low birth weight

It's also more likely if you have a skin injury like a burn, cut, or wound. And cases have been reported in people with COVID-19.

Mucormycosis isn't contagious.

Symptoms of Mucormycosis

The symptoms of mucormycosis will depend on where in your body the fungus is growing. They may include:

Fever

Cough

Chest pain

Shortness of breath

Swelling on one side of your face

Headache

Sinus congestion

Black lesions on the bridge of your nose or the inside of your mouth

Belly pain

Nausea and vomiting

Mucormycosis Prevention

There's no way to avoid breathing in spores. But you can do a few things to lower your chances of mucormycosis. It's especially important if you have a health condition that raises your risk.

Stay away from areas with a lot of dust or soil, like construction or excavation sites. If you have to be in these areas, wear a face mask like an N95.

Avoid infected water. This can include floodwater or water-damaged buildings, especially after natural disasters like hurricanes or floods.

If you have a weakened immune system, avoid activities that involve dust and soil, like gardening or yard work. If you can't, protect your skin with shoes, gloves, long pants, and long sleeves. Wash cuts or scrapes with soap and water as soon as you can.

If you get mucormycosis, be sure to take your medications as directed. If side effects cause problems or the infection doesn't get better, let your doctor know right away.

Blood in your stool

Diahhria

If your skin is infected, the area can look blistered, red, or swollen. It might turn black or feel warm or painful.

The infection can also spread to other parts of your body through your blood. This is called disseminated mucormycosis. When this happens, the fungus can affect organs like your splash and heart. In severe cases, you may have changes to your mental state or go into a coma It can even be deadly.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Mucormycosis

If you suspect mucormycosis, your doctor will give you a physical exam and ask about your medical history. Let them know if you've been around spoiled foods or other places in which fungal spores are often found.

Mucormycosis Complications and Outlook

Complications of mucormycosis include:

Blindness

Blood clots or blocked vessels

Nerve damage

Mucormycosis can be deadly without treatment. Because the infection is so rare, the exact mortality rate isn't clear. But researchers estimate that overall, 54% of people with mucormycosis die.

The likelihood of death depends on which part of the body is affected. The outlook is better for people who have sinus infections than it is for lung or brain infections.