Black Fungus: Symptoms, Causes, Affected Organs & Treatment in India

In recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, a scary word started popping up in the news and on WhatsApp forwards: Black Fungus. It sounded like something out of a horror movie — and honestly, for many families across India, it felt like one. Suddenly, hospitals were flooded with patients not just struggling with the virus, but also with this strange, aggressive fungal infection that was damaging faces, eyes, and even brains.

So what is black fungus really? Is it contagious? Can you get it from your vegetables? Or is it something only people with certain health problems need to worry about? In this article, we’ll break it all down for you. From symptoms to prevention to treatment options available in India, here's everything you need to know — in plain, simple language. Let’s begin.

What is Black Fungus (Mucormycosis)?

Black fungus, also known by its medical name mucormycosis, is a rare but serious fungal infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes. These molds are actually found pretty much everywhere — in the soil, air, decaying fruits and vegetables. Normally, they don’t harm healthy people. But under certain conditions, they can enter the body and cause devastating infections.

During the COVID-19 crisis, especially the second wave in India, there was a sudden rise in black fungus cases. Why? Experts believe it was due to a combination of steroid overuse, uncontrolled diabetes, and weakened immune systems — the perfect storm, basically. And once the fungus enters your body, it spreads quickly.

Unlike many other infections, mucormycosis doesn’t spread from person to person. It usually enters through the nose or lungs when someone inhales the spores. It can also enter through cuts or wounds. Once inside, it can affect various parts of the body, depending on where it settles.

Symptoms of Black Fungus

Early Symptoms of Black Fungus

Catching mucormycosis early can literally save a life. So, it's important to know what to look for. Initial symptoms might seem harmless — which is what makes it so tricky.

You might feel:

• Facial pain or numbness

• Nasal congestion or black discharge

• A dull headache, mostly near the eyes or nose

These symptoms often appear within a few days of recovering from COVID-19 or any serious illness. Many patients ignore them, thinking it’s just sinus or regular cold. That’s a mistake — the fungus spreads fast, sometimes in just 24 to 48 hours.

Symptoms of Black Fungus in Eyes

This is one of the most dangerous forms. Once the fungus reaches the eye socket, it can cause:

• Redness or swelling around the eyes

• Blurred or double vision

• Drooping eyelid

• Eye pain or total vision loss

In some tragic cases, surgery is needed to remove one eye to stop the infection from reaching the brain. It's terrifying, but true.

Signs and Symptoms Based on Affected Areas

Black fungus can affect different parts of the body, and the symptoms change depending on where the infection settles. Here's a breakdown:

Nasal and Sinus Symptoms

Most cases in India began in the sinuses or nasal cavity. People often thought it was just a bad sinus infection, but it was actually mucormycosis. Common signs include:

• Stuffy or bleeding nose

• Swelling on one side of the face

• Blackish patches inside the mouth or nose

• Loosening of teeth or jaw pain

Sometimes, a person's palate (the roof of the mouth) even turns black. It's a red flag and shouldn't be ignored at all.

Respiratory Symptoms

When the fungus enters the lungs — especially in people who were already on oxygen or ventilators — it can cause:

• Shortness of breath

• Fever that doesn’t go away

• Cough with blood

• Chest pain

Lung mucormycosis is rarer but very serious, particularly for patients with existing lung conditions like tuberculosis or COPD. Some patients are misdiagnosed, which delays treatment. That can be deadly.

Brain-Related Symptoms

The most severe cases happen when black fungus reaches the brain. This usually happens after it enters through the nose or eyes. Symptoms include:

• Seizures

• Confusion or altered mental state

• Severe headaches

• Loss of consciousness

By this point, the infection is considered critical. Immediate hospitalization is the only option — and even then, the survival rate is low.

What Causes Black Fungus and Who is at Risk?

Let’s bust a common myth: you don’t get black fungus by eating bread with mold on it, or walking in a garden. The spores are in the air around us all the time. The issue isn’t exposure — it’s immunity.

Common Risk Factors in Indian Patients

1. Diabetes (especially uncontrolled)

India has a massive population of people with diabetes — many undiagnosed. High blood sugar levels are a perfect environment for this fungus to grow. It also weakens the immune system.

2. COVID-19 Recovery & Steroid Use

During the second wave, steroids were widely used to reduce inflammation. While helpful in fighting COVID, they also weakened immunity and increased sugar levels, making many patients vulnerable.

3. Immunocompromised Individuals

Cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS — all are at higher risk because their immune system is already weak. Even long ICU stays with oxygen support increase the chances.

It’s important to note that most healthy people won't get black fungus, even if exposed. But in vulnerable groups, even a small infection can turn deadly.

Which Organs are Mostly Affected by Black Fungus?

This depends on the entry point and the person’s overall health. But based on data from Indian hospitals during the pandemic, here’s what was most commonly affected:

• Sinuses and nasal cavity (most common)

• Eyes and brain (in advanced cases)

• Lungs (especially in people with pre-existing lung issues)

• Skin and internal organs (rare, but possible if the infection spreads through the blood)

How to Remove or Treat Black Fungus from the Body

There’s no sugarcoating it: treating black fungus is difficult, expensive, and often aggressive. But it can be treated — especially if caught early.

Medical Treatment Options

The primary line of treatment is antifungal medication, usually Amphotericin B, which is given through IV. It’s a powerful drug, but comes with side effects like kidney damage, so patients need to be closely monitored.

In some cases, oral antifungals like Posaconazole or Isavuconazole may be used after the initial phase. These help to stop the spread, but aren’t a replacement for IV therapy in serious cases.

Surgical Intervention

This is the most shocking part for many. If the infection has spread to the face, nose, or eyes, surgery is needed to remove infected tissue. This may include part of the jaw, nose, or even removal of one eye.

It sounds extreme — and it is — but without it, the infection can reach the brain in days. That’s usually fatal.

Hospitalization and Monitoring

Patients often require weeks of hospital stay, and in some public hospitals, shortages of Amphotericin B have caused treatment delays. The Indian government has stepped in multiple times to distribute medication across states.

Is Black Knot Fungus Harmful to Humans?

There’s been some confusion online between black fungus and black knot fungus. Let’s clear that up.

Black knot fungus is a plant disease — it affects trees like plum and cherry, causing weird black growths on branches. It is not harmful to humans. Totally different from mucormycosis.

So, if you saw a weird black thing on a tree and panicked, don’t worry. That one’s harmless for us.

Preventing Black Fungus: What You Can Do

Prevention is absolutely key, especially for high-risk individuals. Here's what doctors recommend:

• Control blood sugar levels — especially after recovering from COVID-19.

• Avoid unnecessary use of steroids — only take them under a doctor’s supervision.

• Use clean, sterilized water in humidifiers and oxygen cylinders.

• Wear masks when visiting dusty areas, like construction sites.

• Practice good hygiene, particularly oral and nasal care.

Sadly, many cases in India could have been prevented if these steps were more widely followed.

When to See a Doctor

If you've recently had COVID-19 or have a condition like diabetes, be alert. See a doctor immediately if you notice:

• Black discharge from nose

• Swelling around eyes or face

• Vision problems

• Sudden tooth pain or jaw loosening

Don't delay — early detection can save life and limb.

FAQs on Black Fungus in India

How to remove black fungus from body?

With antifungal medication (like Amphotericin B) and sometimes surgery. It's not something you can treat at home or with natural remedies.

Which organ is mostly affected by black fungus?

Primarily the sinuses, but it can spread to the eyes, brain, and lungs if untreated.

Is black knot fungus harmful to humans?

No. It affects trees, not humans.

What are the early symptoms of black fungus infection?

Facial pain, nasal discharge (especially black), swelling around the eyes, and headaches.

Is black fungus contagious?

Nope. It doesn’t spread from person to person. It enters through spores in the environment.

Can black fungus be cured completely?

Yes, if caught early and treated aggressively. Delayed treatment reduces chances of full recovery.

What to eat and avoid during black fungus treatment?

Eat high-protein, immune-boosting foods. Avoid sugar-heavy items that can worsen diabetes and recovery.

If you found this guide helpful, please share it with family or friends — especially anyone recovering from COVID-19. Awareness saves lives, and in this case, a little knowledge goes a long way.