What You Should Know about Black, White and Yellow Fungus

As we as a country are dealing with the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic, we are being hit by yet another disease. Mucormycosis or Black fungus is a fungal infection that has been seen infecting Covid-19 patients and also the patients who have recovered from Covid-19. More than 10,000 cases across the country have been reported and the central government has declared it as an epidemic, which has largely affected the states of Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and recently is spreading largely in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. While black fungus is still spreading its claws, the other variants— white fungus and yellow fungus, have started poking their heads up and infecting people on a large scale.

After living under the shadows of a pandemic and having it affect all our lives in every possible aspect for more than a year now, a new epidemic is obviously bringing our spirits down. I can surely say that most of us have wondered if things are ever going back to normal again? But as new cases are being registered each day both of Covid-19 and of these fungal infections, it is not a time to panic but a time to educate ourselves even more to make sure we and all our loved ones are protected. In addition to that, the more we know about these diseases, the more chances that we can eventually eliminate them from our lives by following necessary measures and precautions. So, to educate you more about the black, white and yellow fungus and infections caused by them let’s go through them individually and understand their nature better.

What is Mucormycosis or Black Fungus?

• Mucormycosis or black fungus is a fungal infection caused by mucormycetes, which is a type of fungus. These fungi are present in the environment and prove to be life-threatening on entering the human body as they destroy blood vessels and affect the blood supply eventually leading to necrosis (death of body cells). If the spread is not treated at the right time, the necrosis gets worse and spreads throughout the body leading to death.
• These fungi mainly affect people who are dealing with certain other diseases. At present, the reported cases in India prove that they are attacking both active and recovered cases of Covid-19. Black fungus is also fatal to people with diabetes and those who use steroids.

Common symptoms after black fungus infection are-

• Blurred vision
• Nasal bleeding
• Pain
• Discomfort
• Swelling
• Facial pain
• Numbness

What is Aspergillosis or White Fungus?

• Aspergillosis or white fungus is another fungal infection which is similar to black fungus in a few ways but is much more dangerous. It spreads faster through the body mainly affecting the kidney and brain.
• Before, white fungus was considered to be curable by commonly available medicines but recent cases have proved otherwise. Similar to black fungus, people with lower immunity and underlying diseases are more prone to be affected by white fungus.
• The common symptoms of white fungus are-
• White patches on the tongue
• Cough
• Fever
• Dark spots on lungs
• Decrease in oxygen level

What is Yellow Fungus and How is it Different?

• Yellow fungus is the deadliest of them all. Unlike the above two fungi, yellow fungus does not enter your body from outside but starts from within. It causes pus formation and leakage which leads to slow wound healing and it spreads through the body causing necrosis of the body cells and may also lead to organ failure.
• Consumption of stale food and excessive moisture in the place of storage has been found to be the two most common causes for the spread of yellow fungus.

Common symptoms of yellow fungus are-

• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Swollen or sunken eyes

All this information may seem overwhelming, but I am sure you feel much more at ease now that you know a little bit more about the big unfamiliar terms you see in the news every day. Although all the information may be a little hard to grasp at one time, it is important that you focus on the essential points and consult proper medical advice if you experience any symptoms. The bottom line is to stay calm and safe yet aware of the situation and maintain proper hygiene while following the Covid-19 protocols. Remember we are now dealing with not one but two deadly diseases, so now is the time to stay extra careful. But do not panic. Educate yourself and take the proper measures and do not come to any conclusions without professional medical advice.