‘White fungus less dangerous than black fungus,’ says top Delhi doctor

Amid a spike in COVID-19 triggered black fungus infections, cases of white fungus have also been found to affect some patients in Bihar. However, the infection is not as dangerous as black fungus, medical director of Delhi’s Lok Nayak Hospital said on Saturday.

Speaking to news agency ANI, Dr Suresh Kumar said that white fungus, also known as Aspergillosis, is less dangerous than black fungus or mucormycosis, an infection that has now been declared an epidemic in several states.

Kumar added that as a treatment for mucormycosis can continue for more than a month, its early diagnosis is critical. “Don’t take steroids to treat COVID-19 without consulting your doctor,” he advised people. 

Also read: Look for these symptoms to detect onset of Black Fungus in COVID patients

Black fungus, a serious fungal infection with a 50% mortality rate, is infecting COVID patients with weakened immune systems or diabetes.

With coronavirus and other conditions, a dangerous phenomenon called a “cytokine storm” can occur where the immune system goes into overdrive, damaging organs.

So doctors have been prescribing steroids to reduce the immune response. But both of these weakens the body’s defences and increases sugar levels, which funguses thrive off.

Also read: As black fungus cases spike, Amphotericin injection disappears from markets

Kumar told ANI that fungus grows in cramped and humid spaces and therefore people should ensure that their surroundings are cleaned regularly. He said that people should avoid consuming eatables refrigerated for days, eat fresh fruits, let sunlight in their house and wash masks daily.

The Centre on Thursday asked all states and union territories to declare mucormycosis an epidemic so that it can be closely monitored and allow for better integration of treatment. It has also issued prevention guidelines for the same on Friday.

As of Friday, there are at least 7,250 cases of black fungus in India, according to the Hindustan Times, which cited a government court submission.