The B.1.617 variant of the SARS-COVID-19 virus of India is also a global concern. Scientists believe that this mutation will greatly affect the body’s immune system and weaken its response, increasing its vulnerability to fungal infections. One particular concern for recovered COVID-19 patients is an infection called mucormycosis or black fungus.
India has recorded many deaths caused by black fungus in patients recovering from COVID due to compromised immune systems. In India, more and more patients recovering from COVID-19 have been tested for mucormycosis or black fungus. This is a rare fungal infection caused by fungi called Mucormycetes, which are common in the environment. COVID-19 patients with uncontrolled diabetes and a weakened immune system are at higher risk of this disease. So, It is important for patients to understand the disease and learn to recognize the symptoms and how air ambulance helps them transport.
What is black fungus or mucormycosis?
Mucormycosis or black fungus is a rare fungal infection caused by a group of fungi known as the “Class Mucormycetes”. They are often found in the environment, especially animal manure, compost, soil, leaves and decay products. These fungi can enter the human body through exposed wounds, inhalation and breathing on the skin. Once in the human body, these fungi may affect the brain, skin, lungs and sinuses.
Why does it happen to Covid-19 patients?
Mucormycosis fungal infections usually occur in people whose health problems cause immunosuppression, such as Covid-19. Essentially, patients taking drugs that may reduce the immune system’s ability to fight infection are susceptible to black fungus. In Covid-19, the virus finds its host when the immune system is weak because the body is susceptible to infection. As a result, people recovering from Covid-19 have an increased risk of black fungus or mucormycosis. Doctors believe that there is a particularly dangerous link with the steroids used to treat Covid-19 diabetes Covid survivors.
Who is at risk?
Some people are particularly susceptible to this disease. This includes Covid-19 patients with the following conditions:
- Uncontrolled diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes in which the body produces harmful acids called ketones);
- Long-term high-dose intravenous or oral steroids
- Those receiving immunomodulators (drugs used for cancer to alter the immune system response).
Symptoms of black fungus
Mucormycosis usually has early warning signs very similar to conventional sinus infections; For this reason, especially those recovering from Covid-19 should keep an eye out of:
- Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (nose, eyes and skull area)
- Nasal congestion
- Black or bloody nose
- Facial pain
- Numbness or swelling
- Headache or pain in eyes and orbits
- Toothache, loose teeth, or jaw involvement
- Accompanied by painful blur or double vision
- Facial tingling
- Fever and black skin lesions
- Pulmonary mucormycosis (affecting the chest): fever, cough, chest pain, blood in the sputum after coughing, and worsening of respiratory symptoms.
Doctors recommend that because mucormycosis is an invasive infection that can spread quickly to the whole body, you should immediately seek medical attention if you suffer from any of these symptoms. So at this time, if you are away from home or in remote areas, contact the ICATT air ambulance, who can provide treatment on the way to the hospital.
When to call ICATT Air ambulance 9701111156 for medical treatment
We recommend aggressive medical treatment for invasive black fungal infections. For this, general practitioners may not be enough. “In this case, a multidisciplinary approach is required. This may include specialized surgeons such as neurosurgeons, otolaryngologists, cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, and medical experts such as infectious disease doctors.
Treatment of mucormycosis
The treatment of mucormycosis must be rapid and aggressive to reduce the impact of the disease. Acting quickly can reduce the amount of tissue damage and help reverse existing damage. The usual course of treatment includes medication and surgery, depending on the severity of the infection and the patient’s general health. Treatment of mucormycosis may include:
- Surgical debridement of the infected area.
- Antifungal drugs, such as amphotericin B (intravenous injection) to slow down the spread of infection.
- Other antifungal drugs, such as posaconazole or miconazole, are also used.
- The patient’s underlying disease, such as uncontrolled diabetes, should be controlled.
- Long-term antifungal treatment to control the condition.
Due to the complexity of mucormycosis, its treatment usually requires a team of experts, surgeons and microbiologists who are available on time at ICATT air ambulance. Therefore, patients are advised not to try to treat the disease by themselves at home.
COVID-19 Air Transport or Patient Evacuation- German Portable isolation chambers for ICATT flying doctors and patients
This acquisition of the ICATT Portable Flying Medical Isolation Chamber is a direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The increasing likelihood that air ambulances will be used in the region to transfer positive patients and to flying doctors.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak in the region, we have received many requests to transport infected patients in India and the region safely. To minimize contact with our medical and crew members and the public, we decided to invest in portable isolation rooms. Using the new portable isolation room to airlift or evacuate COVID-19 Mucormycosis patients is effective immediately for all ICATT Doctors customers. In the case of medical evacuation, you will begin to enjoy isolation pods to transport patients. The introduction of portable isolation pods will enable ICATT flying doctors to improve medical evacuation capabilities by transporting Mucormycosis patients onto our aircraft, which is in the best interests of the patients and our staff.
All ICATT Flying Doctors air, medical and ground personnel have received extensive training on the newly acquired german isolation pod device application. Isolation pods so can be deployed immediately by air transport or evacuating COVID-19 mucormycosis patients.
About portable isolation chambers
Portable isolation chambers or pods are an innovative medical isolation and transportation system designed to achieve optimal safety during the transportation of patients. The device is a single patient isolator made of cleanable material. It is easy to assemble for use, fully transportable, and compatible with all major ambulance stretcher systems. It is compatible with most mechanical ventilation circuits. The equipment meets all requirements for comprehensive environmental protection and prevention of cross-contamination. Convenient patient access enables advanced care and treatment. The design allows providing the most intensive care treatment and emergency procedures. When not in use, the device can be reused and has a compact storage space. It only takes 30 minutes to prepare and load patients in portable isolation pods. The patient can stay indoors as long as needed because the air circulates through a special filter.
Conclusion:
If you or someone you know is recovering or recently recovered from COVID-19, pay close attention to the signs and symptoms of mucormycosis. The key to effective treatment of mucormycosis is rapid detection, accurate diagnosis and immediate and active treatment. In addition, patients suffering from COVID-19 or recovering patients should maintain good personal hygiene to prevent mucormycosis. Call an ICATT air ambulance to transport the patient to the hospital immediately. Contact us at +91-9701111156.
