BUENOS AIRES – The first case of mucormycosis, also known as the “black fungus” has been confirmed in Argentina, according to the country’s Health Ministry, Sputnik reported.
“The Health Ministry informs that the first notification was received by the National Health Surveillance System of a case of mucormycosis, known as ‘black fungus’ associated with a patient from (the province of) Formosa who had Covid-19,” the ministry said yesterday.
The patient is a 47-year-old woman with a history of high blood pressure and type II diabetes. She experienced the onset of coronavirus symptoms on May 11 and was tested for mucormycosis earlier in June.
Argentina’s Health Ministry said the death of a person in the province of Buenos Aires is also being investigated as a potential mucormycosis case.
Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection with a mortality rate between 50% and 94%, depending on the stage of the illness.
People with diabetes and those with a compromised immune system, such as those recovering from Covid-19, are at a greater risk of contracting “black fungus.” India has reported thousands of cases of the rare infection among recovering coronavirus patients. – Bernama, June 20, 2021
