What is the fungal disease 'black mold'?

As of May 19, a mucormycosis outbreak has been declared in several states of India. The number of cases is continuously rising, primarily affecting individuals who have recovered from Covid-19. In addition to India, since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease, cases of mucormycosis have been reported in Egypt, Pakistan, Iraq, Chile, Uruguay, Mexico, Brazil, Nepal, and Russia.

Mucormycosis, or 'black mold', is a rare fungal disease that causes necrotic lesions in the nose, throat, skin, and central nervous system disturbances. Symptoms of mucormycosis include high fever, cough, headache, sore throat, nasal discharge, eye pain, and ulcers.

The fungi that cause mucormycosis are found in soil, on plants, decaying fruits and vegetables, as well as in animal excretions, which penetrate the body through the respiratory system or the bloodstream. The mortality rate for this disease can reach up to 50%. Mucormycosis often affects individuals with weakened immune systems, particularly those with diabetes, those taking steroids, or those on iron-containing medications.