Dikhyaa Mohanty 
With the rising cases of Covid-19, the black fungus has taken some states under its grasp where the lethality is the mortality rate of the fungus has been estimated at 54 per cent as per the statistical report of the US-based Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to the report, the mortality rate is 54 per cent in Black Fungus infection and in India, the current fatality rate is 3 per cent. But the cases in the country have posted a 66 per cent rise in the country during the last 15-days. The state-wise fatality rates hover from 1 per cent to 3 per cent.
Even cases in Odisha have also increased by 66 per cent between May 25 and May 30. However, the State yet to report casualties owing to the lethal fungus reveals the data with State Health Department.
The report further added that the fungus has easy access to every home. Slices of bread may turn the carrier for the deadly pathogen. The black moulds that develop over bread – a staple breakfast diet of a vast number of households – are none other than the lethal black fungus.
As per CDC, the fungus needs moisture, starch and sugar to grow. With moisture in the atmosphere has been high now, bread has all the necessary ingredients to support the fungus growth.
It further says that the black fungus growth is higher in Summer and Autumn seasons when the moisture in the atmosphere remains high. The common species of fungi that cause mucormycosis are – Rhizopus and Mucor species. The black mould in bread is caused by Rhizopus Stolonifer. The spores they produce when inhaled or accidentally comes in contact with the nose, infect very seriously by mostly infecting the respiratory system and brain.
To prevent the fungi from entering the homes, people should purchase the slices of bread where the expiry or before use date has been clearly mentioned. Moreover, the bread needs to be stored in places that are dry and devoid of moisture. And the most important fact to be remembered is bread need to be consumed at the earliest. Also one should see that the stored bread doesn’t come in contact with water drops.
Image Source – Google
