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Published on: Aug 03, 2021
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Pulmonologist

What Is Mucormycosis & COVID-19 Associated With Mucormycosis ?

Mucormycosis is a rare but serious infectious disease that can be caused by inhaling spores from the ubiquitous fungi. These organisms, commonly found in soil and composts are also present on fallen leaves or animal dung. Less contagious than other types of infections, mucormycosis mainly affects people who have weakened immune systems because it cannot spread like others that do not need an outside source to enter one's body via open wounds or cuts. Mucoromyces mean "fuzz," which describes their appearance when seen under a microscope with long branching filaments called pseudohistiocysts arising off these branched threads (hyphae).

Mucormycosis is a rare but serious angio-invasive infection caused by ubiquitous fungi. The spores of these fungi can be inhaled and then infect the lungs, sinuses, or extend into brain tissue to cause mucormycosis in people who are immunocompromised. Mucoromyces has been found all over Earth with it mainly affecting those living on farms due to contact from animal dung containing high quantities of this fungus type as well as compost piles where fresh manure falls leaves cover vegetable gardening beds that may have fallen nearby leading most cases occurring near woodland areas such before dorms at college campuses were previously thought responsible for respiratory infections since they might contain bacteria like tuberculosis which also needs oxygenated.

Fungal infections, including mucormycosis, aspergillosis and invasive candidiasis, have been reported in patients with severe COVID-19 or those recovering from the disease and are associated with a high risk of serious illness. India has recently seen an increase in cases that present this way when compared to other countries where these types of fungus thrive. Prevention needs to focus on making sure people who suffer from Covid-19 maintain better glycemic control so they do not develop any fungal infection like Mucoromyces Cerealis (a subtype found more often outside India) which can cause pneumonia if untreated or brain damage if left too long without treatment because it is resistant both systemic corticosteroids/other.

Mucormycosis, an invasive fungal infection that can lead to death, has been reported in patients with severe COVID-19. The Indian government recently noted a surge of cases and the spread of this dangerous condition is attributed largely to poor glycemic control among those living with the disease or recovering from it.

Fungal infections, including mucormycosis and invasive candidiasis, have been reported in patients with severe COVID-19 or those recovering from the disease. India has seen an uptick of cases due to fungal infection caused by COVID-19 along with a surge in people who are severely affected because they were not diagnosed early on while fighting off the virus. Prevention for this type of fungus is increased monitoring when trying to apply systemic corticosteroids/other immunomodulating drugs on these patients just as much as it would be if there was no sign that someone had ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome).

Mucormycosis is not contagious and does not spread by contact from person to person. This fungus has been found in the environment, but transmission occurs through inhalation or ingestion of spores from the environment. Although most cases are sporadic, healthcare-associated outbreaks have occurred after the use of adhesive bandages made out wood tongue depressors as well as linens with lackadaisical hygiene standards at hospitals that result in fungal exposure on surfaces like walls and floors which can lead to airborne infection if those areas aren't properly cleaned up soon enough. Mucormicosis primarily affects sinuses or lungs after inhaling spores from air when it's breathed directly into them.

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Monkeypox Virus Symptoms: Early Signs, Disease Progression, and When to Seek Care

Monkeypox, now commonly referred to as mpox, is a viral infection that has gained global attention due to outbreaks beyond traditionally affected regions. Understanding monkeypox virus symptoms is essential for early detection, timely isolation and prevention of further spread.

According to the World Health Organization and Indian public health authorities, awareness of symptom patterns plays a critical role in controlling outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations.

What Is the Monkeypox Virus?

Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus family, which also includes smallpox. While generally less severe than smallpox, monkeypox can still cause significant illness and discomfort.

The virus spreads primarily through close physical contact.

Incubation Period of Monkeypox

After exposure, symptoms typically appear within:

5 to 21 days
most commonly 6 to 13 days

Individuals may feel well during this period but can become infectious once symptoms begin.

Early Monkeypox Virus Symptoms

Fever

Fever is usually the first symptom and may be:

sudden in onset
moderate to high grade
accompanied by chills

Fever signals the start of systemic infection.

Headache and Body Aches

Patients often experience:

severe headache
muscle aches
back pain

These symptoms resemble many viral illnesses.

Fatigue and Weakness

Marked tiredness and low energy levels are common and may limit daily activities.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes are a distinguishing feature of monkeypox.

Common sites include:

neck
armpits
groin

This helps differentiate monkeypox from chickenpox or smallpox.

Development of Monkeypox Rash

The skin rash usually appears:

1 to 3 days after fever onset

It may begin on the face or genital area and spread to other parts of the body.

Stages of Monkeypox Rash

The rash progresses through well-defined stages:

Macules

Flat red spots on the skin.

Papules

Raised, firm bumps.

Vesicles

Fluid-filled blisters.

Pustules

Pus-filled lesions that are painful.

Scabs

Lesions crust over and eventually fall off.

Complete healing occurs once scabs detach.

Distribution of Rash

Rash commonly affects:

face
hands and feet
mouth
genital and anal areas

The number of lesions can vary widely.

Pain and Discomfort

Rash lesions may be:

painful
itchy during healing

Pain severity differs between individuals.

Other Possible Symptoms

Additional symptoms may include:

sore throat
cough
nasal congestion

These reflect upper respiratory involvement.

Duration of Illness

Monkeypox symptoms typically last:

2 to 4 weeks

Recovery occurs gradually as lesions heal.

Who Is at Higher Risk of Severe Illness?

Higher risk groups include:

children
pregnant women
individuals with weakened immunity
people with chronic illness

Early care is crucial in these groups.

Complications of Monkeypox

Though uncommon, complications may include:

secondary bacterial skin infections
dehydration
pneumonia
eye involvement

Prompt medical guidance reduces risk.

How Monkeypox Is Transmitted

Transmission occurs through:

direct skin-to-skin contact
contact with lesions or bodily fluids
respiratory droplets during close contact
contaminated clothing or bedding

Understanding transmission helps prevent spread.

When to Seek Medical Care

Seek medical evaluation if:

fever is followed by rash
lymph nodes become swollen
rash appears in genital or facial areas

Early diagnosis supports isolation and care.

Diagnosis and Testing

Diagnosis may involve:

clinical examination
laboratory testing of lesion samples

Public health authorities guide testing protocols.

Prevention and Control Measures

Preventive steps include:

avoiding close contact with infected individuals
maintaining good hand hygiene
isolating during illness
following public health guidance

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk groups.

Role of Public Awareness

Awareness of symptoms:

enables early detection
reduces stigma
supports timely care

WHO emphasises community education in outbreak control.

Conclusion

Monkeypox virus symptoms typically begin with fever, body aches and swollen lymph nodes, followed by a characteristic rash that progresses through defined stages. While most cases are self-limiting, early recognition, medical evaluation and isolation are essential to prevent complications and reduce transmission. Staying informed and acting promptly protects both individual and public health.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Mpox (Monkeypox) Clinical and Public Health Guidance
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Emerging Viral Infections Reports
National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), India – Monkeypox Advisories
Lancet – Clinical Features and Outcomes of Mpox
NITI Aayog – Public Health Preparedness and Infectious Disease Control

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