A New 'Black Death' ?

Mucormycosis is a fortunately rare condition, produced in humans, by a black mould. The mould lives in soil and its spores can be released in dust generated by earth-moving activities. Sometimes, these spores eventually find their way onto hospital bed linen. These spores can then be breathed in and invade the sinuses of the head. From there, the mould sometimes invades the base of the brain. As one might expect, this is commonly lethal. Although the condition can occur anywhere, Mucormycosis is now being increasingly seen in vulnerable patients in India (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2021/may/11/what-is-the-dangerous-black-fungus-being-seen-in-covid-patients-in-india-mucormycosis). For example, 300 cases of Mucormycosis have been reported in the state of Gujarat. The condition is often (but not always) linked to a Covid-19 infection. People with severe Covid-19 infections have impaired immune systems. Their immune response can be further damaged by giving the patient steroids (e.g. dexamethasone) to help ameliorate some of the severe (and life-threatening) responses to the viral infection. Impaired immunity, paves the way for the invasion by the Mucormycosis spores. This is yet another concern for the already overwhelmed medical facilities of India. Treatment of Mucormycosis requires a combination of surgery and drug administration. Not easy, under the present circumstances.