White Fungus and Impact
Source : Indian Express
GS II : Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

Why in News?

White Fungus has also been found to affect some people.

Key Facts

• These new cases of white fungus have been found in Patna, Bihar, and this infection is more dangerous than Black Fungus.
• White Fungus
  • This infection can be caused due to low immunity or if people come in contact with things that contain these moulds like water.
  • Patients of white fungus show Covid-like symptoms but test negative; the infection can be diagnosed through CT-Scan or X-ray.
    • COVID-19 is detected when HRCT is performed on the infected patient.
  • White fungus can affect not just the lungs but also other parts of the body including nails, skin, stomach, kidney, brain, private parts and mouth.
• Impact over COVID Patient
  • COVID-19 patients are more prone to white fungus as it affects the lungs and similar symptoms are created like that of coronavirus.
  • It is also affecting those coronavirus patients who are on oxygen support.
  • It was also observed that all the four patients who had white fungus infection did showcase COVID-like symptoms, but were found to be negative.
• Who is at Risk ?
  • The white fungus infection may be risky for pregnant women and children.
    • The disease occurs in the newborn in the form of diaper candidiasis in which cream-coloured spots appear and in young children it causes oral thrust.
  • Risk of catching the disease is highest for those with frail immunity, suffering from pre-existing medical issues, including diabetes, and/or using steroids.
    • Those who have weak immunity like diabetes, cancer patients, and those who are taking steroids for a long period of time must take special care as they are more at risk.

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