Assistant Professor of Medicine at Qasr Al-Ainy, Abdel Rahman Younes, revealed that there are new signs indicating a black fungus infection. He explained in television statements that these signs include blood-stained mucus, significant pain around the eye and nose, along with similar symptoms to sinusitis. He emphasized that preventing black fungus infection involves avoiding unnecessary use of antibiotics and steering clear of high doses of cortisone during a COVID-19 infection.
He added that the treatment for black fungus is very expensive, especially with its global spread, and is administered in hospitals. Therefore, it is crucial to prevent the infection by avoiding unnecessary antibiotics. High use of cortisone and antibiotics weakens the immune system, making individuals susceptible to black fungus.
He further noted that the symptoms of black fungus begin with pain in the eye and nose, and if not treated with antifungals, the mucous membranes might close off, turning the cells black. The mortality rate from black fungus is extremely high if early treatment is not initiated. "If it reaches the brain, it shuts down the blood vessels supplying the brain, and the mortality rate is exceedingly high. If it enters the eye, the patient loses their vision."
He pointed out that black fungus is not contagious, and the issue lies in weakened immunity, not with the black fungus found in the environment. It only attacks individuals suffering from weak immunity, whether due to excessive cortisone use or otherwise. He also noted that the public's understanding of black fungus infection contains many misconceptions, ranging from ignorance about the disease to unfounded fears.
He stated that black fungus exists around humans and coexists without affecting anyone. However, for patients with weakened immune systems, black fungus spreads through the closing of blood vessels, preventing blood flow. This fungus can live within the mucous membranes for an extended period. He confirmed that COVID-19 cases in the third wave have begun to decline, but what we are currently experiencing are complications following COVID-19.
