Experts divided over unhygienic masks being contributing factor for black fungus

Indian Express ^ | 5/20/21 | PTI

[Roman_War_Criminal]

Amid a rise in black fungus cases particularly in COVID patients in Delhi, some medical experts feel that “unhygienic masks” and poorly ventilated rooms could be a contributing factor, while others said “no clinical evidence” has been established linking the two.

Doctors at many leading hospitals here said many patients, both COVID and non-COVID ones, have presented themselves at the facilities who have been infected with mucormycosis or black fungus and had a history of exhibiting poor hygienic practices, including wearing unwashed masks for a long time.

According to Dr Suresh Singh Naruka, senior consultant, ENT, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, the primary factor is “irrational use of steroids”.

“Second, I would reckon is unhygienic practices, like wearing masks over a long time without washing them, or staying in a poorly ventilated rooms such as a basement, or less airy rooms. So, I would say, the second factor is also a trigger point for contractor mucormycosis,” he said.

[Roman_War_Criminal]

[Mom MD]

I think this only one of the opportunistic infections supported by mask wearing in hot humid climates

[frank ballenger]

That may be the secret origin of The Blob (1958 version with the late Steve McQueen).

This black fungus may keep on moving, inexorably, quietly....

[Roman_War_Criminal]

I don’t know anything about it. Never even heard about it to be honest.

Based on what little I know, I would say constant mask wearing is hazardous.

[ETCM]

Using a cheap single use disposable mask for more than a day is asking for trouble. Same with cloth masks being worn for more than a day without washing. Do this in a third world S***hole and all bets are off. Good lord, look at that “clinic”. Disgusting.

[Mom MD]

It’s a nasty fungal infection. Difficult to treat and it likes brains sinuses and eyes. Often has to be surgically removed. If it gets a foothold in the brain it can be deadly. Found mostly in those whose immune systems are impaired in some way but i would think wearing a mask full of it all day long would overcome even a healthy immune system

[Vehmgericht]

black fungus - sounds racist

[fruser1]

Same stuff that can grow in the folds of skin on overweight folks.

[rktman]

Did the retrieve some masks from the bright red bio-hazard waste receptacles we see placed everywhe............ Oh. Never mind.

[NetAddicted]

Rd later.

[mewzilla]

A paper from a few years back. Interesting read...

Mucormycosis in a Diabetic Patient: A Case Report with an Insight into Its Pathophysiology

[familyop]

"According to Dr Suresh Singh Naruka, senior consultant, ENT, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, the primary factor is 'irrational use of steroids'."

Hasty diagnoses with presumptions that patients have asthma, especially when they are really suffering from fungi established in airways. Steroids in asthma medications can make patients more vulnerable to such fungal infections. Clean buildings and ventilation are necessary, especially in moldy climates. Dehumidifiers can be helpful.

[Starcitizen]

It’s actually Indians live in filthy conditions. That’s normal for them. Who else craps and pisses anywhere, swims in the Ganges River with dead people and animals, and generally places personal hygiene at the bottom of life’s list?

[metmom]

I did not need to hear that.

That is just disgusting.....

[blueplum]

nasty disease - 50% mortality and those that live may lose eyes and part of skull/jaw bones. They’re finding it in rural populations but also in those intubated (in India not the US)

[ConservativeInPA]

Sounds like racism.