India sees rise in rare 'black fungus' infections. #India #Coronavirus #BlackFungus #COVID19 #DWNews

In India, some COVID-19 patients are developing a rare, but dangerous infection - dubbed "black fungus" or mucormycosis. Typically starting in the airways, it spreads through the body, affecting the sinuses or lungs. Then bones and body tissue. The fungus can also attack the eyes and brain. If left untreated, it can be fatal. It's important to note that black fungus is extremely rare. In India, it normally affects around 900,000 people a year, according to one study. That's less than one percent of the population. But now big hospitals are reportedly diagnosing it in patients every second day in this ongoing second coronavirus wave. COVID-19 patients are especially at risk because their immune system is weakened. And that may be contributing to the rise in cases of black fungus in India.