Coronavirus: Is headache a symptom of Mucormycosis (black fungus)?

The alarming rise in the cases of black fungal infection in the country has stirred fear among the people. This recent medical emergency developed post coronavirus recovery has sent many patients back to the hospital. More than 11, 000 cases of black fungal infection have been reported in the country till now, along with rare cases of two new variants of fungal infections. While there is still uncertainty about what triggers mucormycosis or black fungus in COVID patients, it is crucial to be careful to prevent any severe complications. Black fungus is a rare fungal infection that can be treated with medication when detected at the right time. Any delay in treatment often leads to the removal of the infected portion through surgery. There are some telltale signs of this infection and persistent headache is just one of them.

While it is common to experience a headache when suffering from COVID-19, persistent headache after the 14 days of recovery period can be a symptom of black fungal infection. It is actually the earliest signs of inflammation and infection caused due to fungus.

Black fungal infection or mucormycosis is caused by a group of moulds known as micromycetes. They often attack people with weakened immune systems and underlying conditions. These tiny pathogens spores are present in the environment. When someone with compromised immunity breathes the fungal spores, they enter their respiratory system and start affecting their sinus, brain or lungs. This could lead to persistent headache or swelling on one side of the face.

Read more: ANSWERED: How long do antibodies last in the body after COVID-19 infection?

According to Dr Randeep Guleria, chief of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, discolouration in the mouth and decreased sensation in any part of the face could be signs that the infection is spreading. As the fungal infection starts from the sinus passage, many people may even experience a nasal blockage accompanied by thrusting. In case of severe black fungal infection, the fungus spread rapidly to the face, leading to facial disfiguration. Some patients have also reported loosening of teeth as their primary symptom.

Usually, an X-ray or a CT scan of the sinuses is done to detect the infection. The second option is biopsy through nasal endoscopy. Apart from these, doctors sometimes even recommend a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based blood test to detect the presence of the fungal infection.

Black fungal infection is not contagious, but it is not only limited to people who have had COVID. Any individual with compromised immunity and underlying medical condition like diabetes and HIV can develop this infection. In case of COVID-19, uncontrolled diabetes and excessive use of steroids are believed to trigger the infection. A recent study has also linked excessive intake of zinc supplement, the combination of antibiotics used in the treatment of coronavirus and intake of steam behind the outbreak of the fungal infection.