麻豆约拍

As a second wave of Covid-19 sweeps through India, doctors are reporting a rash of cases of mucormycosis - also called black fungus - among recovering and recovered Covid-19 patients. Over 9,000 cases have been reported.

Doctors believe mucormycosis, which has an overall mortality rate of 50%, may be being triggered by the use of steroids, a life-saving treatment for severe and critically ill Covid-19 patients. Steroids appear to help stop some of the damage that can happen when the body's immune system goes into overdrive but they also reduce immunity and push up blood sugar levels in both diabetics and non-diabetic Covid-19 patients.

Dr Priya Sampathkumar from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, explains what causes the condition and the treatments being prescribed.

Photo: Mucor mould is found in soil, plants, manure and decaying fruits Credit: Getty Images