GREEN FUNGUS SYMPTOMS, PREVENTION

     The first case possibly of green fungus infection linked to Covid-19 has been reported in Madhya Pradesh in a person who had recovered from the viral infection. The report comes amid the continuing fear of Covid-19 patients being hit by the dreaded black fungus infection, or mucormycosis.

      The patient was found to have Green Fungus (Aspergillosis) infection in his sinuses, lungs and blood, a first ever case reported in India.

What is Green Fungus?

       Green Fungus is Aspergillosis, an infection caused by Aspergillus, a common mold (a type of fungus) that lives indoors and outdoors. The infection may cause high fever and nose bleeding. Green fungus is also suspected to cause severe weight loss and weakness. 

        However, AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria has also said that it is better to identify mucormycosis by its name rather than by the colour.Dr VP Pandey, HoD medicine department, MGM said, “There is no colour coding of fungal infection. The only thing is that it is aspergillus fungus and mucormycosis.”

Why is it called Green Fungus?

      It is not that the fungal infection gives colour shades in the body. Its name is because the colour appears during its culture in the lab while testing it,” said Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences (SAIMS) respiratory medicine HoD Dr Ravi Dosi.

How to prevent fungal infections:-

• Fungal infections can only be prevented by maintaining good hygiene, oral and physical cleanliness.

•   Avoid areas with a lot of dust and stored contaminated water. If you can’t avoid these areas, wear an N95 respirator for prevention.

•  Avoid activities that involve close contact with soil or dust.

•   Keep washing your face and hands with soap and water, especially if they have been exposed to soil or dust.