Green fungus is the latest entrant to join the earlier reported cases of black, white, and yellow fungus. The first case of the infection has been detected in Madhya Pradesh's (MP) Indore. After a 34-year-old COVID-19 survivor was diagnosed with green fungus (Aspergillosis). He was shifted to Mumbai by air ambulance for treatment.
The man, who had recovered from coronavirus, underwent a test on suspicion that he had contracted black fungus infection (mucormycosis). But he was instead found to have green fungus infection in his lungs, sinuses, and blood.
Pulmonologist and AIIMS Chief Medical Director Randeep Guleria has said, "Labelling the same fungus with names of different colors can create confusion. Mucormycosis is not a communicable disease, unlike Covid-19. About 90-95 per cent of patients getting infected with mucormycosis are found to have been either diabetic and/or taking steroids. This infection is seen very rarely in those who are neither diabetic or taking steroids."
Green fungus, also known as Aspergillosis, is caused by a common mold, which is a type of fungus that lives indoors and outdoors. Many people breathe in Aspergillus spores every day without falling ill. The infection in Covid patients, who have a weakened immune system, may cause high fever and nose bleeding. Green fungus is also suspected to cause severe weight loss and weakness, say experts. Green fungus is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from one being to another, or between people and animals.
According to doctors, rare fungal infections can be prevented by keeping good hygiene levels, and oral and physical cleanliness. People should avoid going to areas with a lot of dust and stored contaminated water.