AIIMS director Randeep Guleria has said that there is no data which suggests that eating raw fruit can cause black fungus. This comes as certain reports of consumption of raw fruits being a source of Black Fungus are doing the rounds.

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Mucormycosis, also known as Black Fungus, is a rare infection triggered by mucor moulds present in the soil such as manure, plants, and rotting fruits and vegetables.

According to the research, swallowing or even smelling these moulds may allow the fungus to enter the body via the nostrils and influence the respiratory system.

With the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic hitting India, patients with diabetes and long-term steroid use are more likely to contract black fungus. Unfortunately, many theories have emerged as a result of the black fungus outbreak.

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Dr Randeep Guleria, the director of AIIMS, recently stated that there isn’t much evidence to suggest that consuming raw fruits can cause black fungus, also known as Mucormycosis. 

Dr Guleria stated that controlling sugar levels of COVID-19 patients is one of the most crucial steps in early diagnosis of Mucormycosis, clearing many myths and misconceptions.

He said, “There are a lot of false messages going around that it can happen because you eat raw food but there is no evidence to support that.” 

He also clarified that it has nothing to do with the type of oxygen being used as it is also being reported in people in home isolation.

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The risk of contracting black fungus is increased by uncontrolled diabetes and heavy use of steroids after contracting COVID-19. “In COVID patients, there has been a growing trend of the occurrence of fungal infection. During the SARS epidemic, this was also recorded to some degree. Uncontrolled diabetes, even when treated with COVID, can lead to the development of mucormycosis”, Guleria said.

He also mentioned that steroid usage has risen dramatically due to COVID-19, and steroids provided, when not suggested in mild or early disease, may result in a severe infection.

When administered in excess, high doses, steroids can cause high blood sugar levels and a high risk of mucormycosis, he added.

The AIIMS chief, provided a few strategies for limiting the transmission of black fungus: “Three factors are critical: good blood sugar regulation, daily blood sugar monitoring for those on steroids, and being cautious about when and how much steroids to offer.”

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Since tiny microorganisms that cause black fungus could be present in the environment, it’s necessary to inspect, wash, and disinfect raw fruits and fresh produce for moulds before eating them as a precautionary measure to ensure that your fruits are free of pathogens and fungus.