Symptoms of Black Fungus (Mucormycosis): What You Need to Know

Black fungus, also known as mucormycosis, isn't some new disease, but during the second wave of COVID-19 in India, it suddenly shot into the spotlight. Reports of people losing vision, requiring facial surgeries, or worse, even losing their lives—it was terrifying. If you’re wondering whether you or someone you love might be at risk, you’re not alone. Thousands searched frantically to understand what to look out for, how it spreads, and what can be done to prevent it.

This article is your complete guide. From the early symptoms of black fungus, to how it affects different parts of the body, and real advice on what to do if you suspect it—this is written for everyday Indians trying to stay informed and safe. Let's start with the basics.

What is Black Fungus?

Understanding Mucormycosis

Black fungus is a serious but rare fungal infection caused by molds called mucormycetes, found naturally in the environment. These fungi exist in soil, plants, compost, and even air. Normally, they don’t cause trouble. But in some people—especially those with weakened immune systems—they can be deadly.

Mucormycosis isn’t contagious, so it doesn’t spread from person to person. But it can enter the body through the nose, mouth, or even a wound, and then it spreads fast—very fast. In some cases, it invades the sinuses, lungs, brain, or eyes.

Causes of Black Fungus Infection

The main trigger? A lowered immune system. In India, a lot of black fungus cases emerged in people recovering from COVID-19, especially those treated with steroids, which can lower immunity and raise blood sugar levels—perfect conditions for the fungus to thrive.

Other causes include:

• Uncontrolled diabetes

• Long ICU stays

• Cancer treatment

• Organ transplant

• Long-term use of immunosuppressant drugs

In rural areas, exposure to dust and soil may also increase risk. It's not just about poor hygiene; even clean hospital environments reported cases.

Why Black Fungus Cases Rose During the COVID-19 Pandemic in India

During the peak of COVID-19's second wave, hospitals were overwhelmed. Many patients received high doses of steroids, oxygen through humidifiers, and stayed in ICUs for weeks. Combine this with India’s high diabetes population—and you've got a recipe for disaster.

There were also issues with:

• Overuse of antibiotics and steroids

• Delayed diagnosis due to panic or lack of awareness

• Inadequate infection control in some facilities

So, black fungus wasn’t new. But India’s unique set of conditions turned it into a crisis.

Who is at Risk of Black Fungus?

You might be wondering, “Am I at risk?” Let’s break it down.

Diabetics and Immunocompromised Patients

People with uncontrolled diabetes are among the highest risk groups. High blood sugar weakens the body’s ability to fight infections, and mucormycosis loves sugar-rich environments.

Similarly, cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and those on chemotherapy or other immune-lowering treatments should be extra careful.

Post-COVID Patients and Steroid Use

Recovered from COVID? If you took steroids (like dexamethasone) for more than a few days, that might’ve suppressed your immune system. Combined with oxygen therapy (especially with unsterilized water in humidifiers), this becomes risky. Some folks didn’t even realise they were at risk until symptoms started showing up.

Other Risk Factors in Indian Context

There are also local factors:

• Poor hospital sanitation in some areas

• Self-medication and unmonitored steroid use

• Delays in seeking medical care due to fear or stigma

Don't ignore a stuffy nose or mild swelling if you fall into these risk groups—it could be nothing, or it could be something serious. Better safe than sorry, right?

Early Symptoms of Black Fungus

Catching black fungus early can make a huge difference—sometimes even save a life. The infection spreads quickly, often destroying tissue and invading nearby organs. But if caught early, treatment can be started before things spiral out of control.

Common Early Signs to Watch For

The symptoms can seem harmless at first. That’s the dangerous part.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Nasal congestion that doesn’t go away

• Black or bloody nasal discharge

• Swelling around the eyes or cheeks

• Pain or numbness on one side of the face

• Mild fever and headache

• Toothache or loosening of teeth

People often ignore these signs thinking it’s just a sinus infection or the side-effect of antibiotics. But in high-risk individuals, these red flags need urgent medical attention.

Nasal Congestion and Black Discharge

One of the hallmark signs is blackish or bloody discharge from the nose. It might be mistaken for a dried-up cold at first. But this isn’t normal—especially if it’s accompanied by facial pain or pressure.

Some patients have also reported a kind of “rotting smell” in their nose. Sounds gross, right? But it’s a major indicator that tissue inside the sinuses may be dying due to fungal invasion.

Swelling and Pain in Eyes or Face

If you wake up and notice puffiness under your eyes, pain in your cheekbone, or drooping eyelid, don’t delay. These are signs the infection is moving from the sinuses to the eyes.

In many Indian cases, this symptom was ignored until patients started losing vision—sometimes permanently. If one side of the face hurts more than the other, or your eye movement feels restricted, get it checked immediately.

Fever and Headache

Not all patients get a fever, but some do. If it comes with other symptoms listed above, consider it part of the puzzle.

Headaches near the eye or temple area can mean the fungus is invading deeper tissues. It’s rare—but it can reach the brain. Not to scare you, but yeah—it’s that serious.

Symptoms of Black Fungus in Eyes and Face

Now, let’s zoom in a bit. Once the fungus spreads beyond the sinuses, the next area of concern is the eyes and face.

Eye Swelling, Redness, and Vision Loss

The fungus doesn’t just cause swelling. In severe cases, it starts cutting off blood supply to tissues behind the eye. That can lead to:

• Blurred or double vision

• Bulging of one eye

• Pain when moving the eye

• Sudden vision loss

In some extreme situations, doctors are forced to perform surgery to remove the infected eye to stop the spread to the brain. Yes, it’s horrifying—and heartbreaking.

Facial Numbness and Black Lesions

If parts of your face feel numb or start developing black patches, this is a late-stage symptom. The tissue may be dying. It’s a sign that the infection has gone deep.

One thing that confused many people during the 2021 outbreak was that the fungus could even affect the palate (roof of the mouth), causing ulcers or dark lesions. Dentists in India began seeing more of these signs first before ENT specialists did.

When to See a Doctor

Here’s the bottom line: Don’t wait.

If you had COVID recently, have diabetes, or were on steroids—and you notice any of the symptoms mentioned so far—go to an ENT specialist or visit a hospital with an infectious disease department.

Which Organs are Affected by Black Fungus?

Black fungus usually starts in the sinuses or nasal cavity, but it doesn’t like to stay put. If not caught early, it quickly spreads to other organs:

Eyes, Nose, Sinuses, and Brain

This is the most common route. The infection starts in the nose or sinuses, moves to the eyes, and sometimes reaches the brain. That’s when things become very dangerous.

Patients may experience:

• Vision changes

• Confusion or mental fog

• Seizures in rare cases

• Even coma

In these cases, aggressive surgery and long-term antifungal meds are required. It’s life-threatening.

Lungs and Gastrointestinal Tract

People who inhale the spores can get pulmonary mucormycosis—a lung infection. This is harder to detect because it mimics TB or pneumonia. Symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Persistent cough (sometimes with blood)

It’s more common in cancer or transplant patients.

There’s also a rarer form that affects the stomach or intestines, mostly in malnourished children or ICU patients. Stomach pain, vomiting, or internal bleeding are some signs.

Skin and Other Rare Cases

Sometimes, the fungus enters through cuts, burns, or surgical wounds, especially if the area is not cleaned properly. The skin turns black, and the area becomes swollen and painful.

In a few unfortunate cases, it spread to kidneys, bones, or even the heart. These are rare but have been documented.

How to Remove Black Fungus from the Body

There’s no quick fix, sadly. Treatment is tough, and it takes a combination of fast diagnosis and aggressive therapy.

Antifungal Medications

Doctors usually start with liposomal Amphotericin B, a powerful antifungal drug. It’s expensive, and it comes with side effects, but it’s the frontline treatment.

Other drugs like Posaconazole or Isavuconazole may also be prescribed. Treatment can last weeks or even months.

Surgical Intervention and Debridement

In some cases, infected tissues must be surgically removed. That might mean parts of the nasal cavity, eye, or jaw. Sounds extreme? It is. But it's sometimes the only way to stop the infection from reaching the brain.

Importance of Controlling Diabetes and Immunity

The real key is to manage blood sugar levels and avoid unnecessary steroids. That means better follow-ups for diabetic patients and strict medical supervision during COVID recovery.

A big mistake people made in India during the pandemic was self-medicating with steroids at home. Please—don’t do that.

Is Black Fungus Harmful to Humans?

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: Not always. Most healthy people won’t get mucormycosis even if they inhale the spores. But in vulnerable individuals, it can be fatal.

Severity and Mortality Rate

Estimates show that the mortality rate of mucormycosis ranges from 30–70%, depending on how early it's caught and which organs are involved. That's high.

Long-Term Effects After Recovery

Some survivors live with permanent damage—loss of vision, facial disfigurement, or long-term medication needs. Recovery can be slow and emotionally taxing.

Preventive Measures

• Avoid dusty areas and wear masks when outdoors

• Don’t self-medicate, especially with steroids

• Keep diabetes in check

• Clean humidifiers and oxygen equipment regularly

• See a doctor immediately if symptoms appear

FAQs

How to remove black fungus from the body?

With antifungal medication (like Amphotericin B) and sometimes surgery. Early diagnosis is key.

Which organ is affected by black fungus?

It mainly affects the sinuses, eyes, brain, lungs, and in rare cases, skin or the stomach.

Is black fungus harmful to humans?

Yes, especially to immunocompromised people. It can be fatal if not treated quickly.

What are the early symptoms of black fungus?

Facial pain, black discharge from the nose, swelling near the eyes, and headaches.

Can black fungus spread from person to person?

No. It is not contagious. It spreads through fungal spores in the environment.

Conclusion

Black fungus may not be common, but in the right (or wrong) conditions, it can be deadly. India’s fight with mucormycosis during COVID-19 taught us how important awareness is. Know the symptoms. Don’t ignore them. And if you or someone close is at risk—take action fast.

Better informed, better prepared. That’s how we beat this thing.