Reusing Mask For 2-3 Weeks Can Lead To Black Fungus: Odia AIIMS Doctor

New Delhi: Mucormycosis (black fungus) cases have been rising steadily in the country, and the Central government is clearly worried. Did you know that improper mask hygiene can increase chances of getting the fungal infection?

Odisha’s Dr P Sarat Chandra, now Professor of Neurosurgery at AIIMS New Delhi, told ANI: “Using a mask for 2-3 weeks could be a cause for the development of black fungus.”

He added that N95 masks can be used 5 times.

He pointed out that uncontrolled diabetics and systemic use of steroids along with tocilizumab enhances the risk. Patients on ventilation, taking supplemental oxygen, are also at high risk of developing black fungus.

Patients with the above are at highest risk till 6 weeks of COVID-19 treatment.

Sarat Chandra also highlighted that cold oxygen administered directly from cylinders is very dangerous.

Some experts have pointed out that disinfecting masks every day is a good practice. Those taking steroids are advised to keep checking their blood sugar levels.

Symptoms of Mucormycosis:

– Pain and redness around eyes and nose
– Mild Fever
– Epistaxis (bleeding from the nose), nasal or sinus congestion
– Headache, cough, shortness of breath, vomiting of blood, altered mental status and partial loss of vision.