Explained: Are children susceptible to black fungus infection? Here's what we know so far

While the second wave of coronavirus left a devastating imprint on the lives of millions, people are still worried and anxious about the third wave that could possibly arise in the future. Especially in terms of kids, unlike the first wave, the second wave was more severe and took a toll on not just the adults but also children.

Given the rise in the number of people diagnosed with black fungus infection, parents are worried whether it could be a threat to the kids too.

Black fungus infection is a severe fungal infection caused by a group of moulds called mucormycetes, commonly found in the air, soil or decayed organic matter. It usually infects the sinuses, brain or lungs and therefore can be quite common in people suffering or recovering from COVID-19. Patients with pre-existing medical conditions, or those taking immunosuppressant medications to fight off deadly environmental pathogens are most likely to develop this fungal infection.

Read more: Black fungus vs. white fungus: Signs, symptoms and who is at risk

If in case a person has developed the black fungus infection, it is important that you pay attention to the symptoms, so as to prevent the complications that may follow.

- Headaches and swelling in the forehead

- Swelling in the one side of the face

- Black crusts around the nose

- Blurred vision or vision loss

- Respiratory complications such as chest pain, cough, shortness of breath

Black fungus infection or mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection, which has been recently seen in severe COVID-19 patients. Experts suggest that patients who either have a compromised immunity or those who are diabetic are more likely to develop the black fungus infection. That said, as compared to adults, children are less likely to have diabetes or an immunocompromised immunity, which is why they are less prone to any form of fungal infection caused during COVID-19 infection.

However, recent reports have suggested rare cases of mucormycosis or black fungus infection in children. The first case of black fungus in a 13-year-old was detected in Gujarat, who as a matter of fact had recovered from COVID-19.

Recently, two other similar cases were reported in rural parts of Karnataka of which one was an 11 year old girl from Ballari district and 14 year old boy from Chitradurga. However, the health officials claim that the two children were suffering from Acute Juvenile Diabetes (AJD), as per reports.

Read more: COVID-19: Will the third wave of coronavirus be more challenging for kids?

While COVID associated fungal infections are rare in kids, it is important that parents stay prepared. The unpredictability of the third wave is what is worrying a large population of people in the country, which is why it is important to keep everyone safe, especially the kids.

Besides educating our children about the pandemic, ask them to follow all the precautionary measures. Encourage them to stay indoors and avoid having visitors at home. Given that the virus spares no one, do not send your kids outdoors to play, rather organize fun indoor games that might keep them distracted. Make sure your child wears a mask whenever he or she has company and visits crowded areas.

Frequent washing of hands and sanitizing before touching your eyes, nose and mouth is crucial during such times. If left unattended, children may touch contaminated or infected surfaces and objects, which may lead to an infection. To avoid that make sure your children wash their hands regularly.