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One Case Of Black Fungus Spotted In Chile
Monday, May 31st 2021 - 09:13 UTCFull article
The issue gained worldwide attention after reports of numerous patients in India The Chilean Society of Infectology (Sochinf) reported Sunday in a statement that one case of mucormycosis, commonly known as black fungus, had been detected.
The issue gained worldwide attention after reports of numerous patients in India with the disease, followed by the appearance of one such case in Uruguay last week in a patient who had suffered a mild case of covid-19.
Read also: Case of covid-related "black fungus" concerns Uruguayan doctors — MercoPress
Sochi also explained fungal infections are among the complications that can ensue covid-19, one of the most frequent is mucormycosis and the other is aspergillosis or green fungus, which affect patients with impaired immunity and it is frequently diagnosed in people with cancer, transplantation or who use immunosuppressants, as well as in those with chronic respiratory diseases and acute infectious diseases such as influenza.
The Chilean society also pointed out that "the frequency has been increasing, to the extent that there has been an increase in serious cases." But it also underlined that although special interest has arisen in recent days, given the large number of cases of mucormycosis reported in India, this situation has been described in isolation in other countries, and its incidence could reflect the coincidence of factors of risk such as uncontrolled diabetes.
In any case, this issue "requires the greatest attention from the medical community at the national level with the support of the necessary resources to monitor the presence of cases," to have the support to facilitate early diagnosis and timely treatment of this serious complication.
What Are The Effects Of Black Mold Exposure?
Black mold does not affect everyone in the same way, but those with an allergy or sensitivity to the spores may experience symptoms such as congestion, red eyes, respiratory problems, and skin rashes. In some cases, an infection may occur.
Mold is a type of fungus. It is present almost everywhere, including in the air. In general, normal amounts of mold in the environment do not pose a substantial health risk to healthy people with regular immune system function.
There is no single type of mold called "black mold" — many molds are black. When people use the term, they may be referring to a type called Stachybotrys chartarum (S. Chartarum), also known as Stachybotrys atra.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that a person does not need to identify which type of mold is growing in their home or another building.
However, some people may be more sensitive to mold spores than others, and they may develop respiratory symptoms after inhaling even a small number of spores. In large quantities, mold spores can cause ill health in almost anyone.
Therefore, people should remove any mold growth in the home and take steps to prevent it from growing back.
This article explores some facts and myths surrounding black mold exposure. It also describes ways to remove and prevent mold growth in the home.
There is a commonly held belief that black mold — sometimes called toxic mold — can cause severe health problems because it releases mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are toxic substances that some fungi produce.
Some research suggests that mycotoxins from S. Chartarum have a link to serious health problems in people who live in contaminated buildings.
One such health concern is mycotoxicosis — mold poisoning. Others include:
However, people rarely report these symptoms, and it is not clear if they have links to mold exposure. Furthermore, research into the risks of inhaling mold spores is still ongoing, and further conclusive research about these rare symptoms is necessary.
Mold exposure can cause other symptoms, however. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, it can cause the following types of health problems:
Allergy and irritationPeople with allergies may be more sensitive to mold than others. If they come into contact with mold, they can experience symptoms such as:
In rare cases, mold allergies may cause more severe reactions, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Symptoms of chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis include:
Mold exposure may also worsen asthma or lung problems in people with preexisting lung conditions.
An older study found that infants and young children with exposure to mold in the home had an increased risk of developing asthma by the age of 7. The research examined 289 homes and 36 types of mold.
However, S. Chartarum was not among the three types of mold most strongly associated with asthma development.
Older research indicates that spending time in damp indoor spaces is related to respiratory symptoms, including those of asthma.
According to the CDC, more recent studies have supported these findings, particularly in relation to the link between mold exposure and asthma in young children.
InfectionFor people with healthy immune systems, mold infections (a type of fungal infection) are not a problem.
However, people with weakened immune systems — such as those with HIV, transplant patients, or people undergoing cancer treatment — are at risk of fungal infections.
Toxic effectsSome people believe that black mold is particularly dangerous because it releases mycotoxins. However, many molds are capable of producing mycotoxins. Just because mold is present does not mean that it is producing these toxins.
It is also important to note that even molds that do produce mycotoxins may not produce them in all environmental conditions. Furthermore, a person may not inhale mycotoxins upon exposure to a mold that produces them.
A person can contract mold poisoning from eating moldy food, rather than from inhaling fungal spores in the home or outdoors. There is no conclusive evidence to indicate that inhaling or touching mold can cause mycotoxicosis.
An older report was unable to support claims that issues such as fatigue, lung disease, or cancer result from mold exposure.
The CDC state that there are very few reports of unique or rare health conditions resulting from mold in the home.
Summary of health problemsMany types of indoor mold, not just black mold, may cause health problems in some individuals.
Long-term exposure to high levels of mold in the home, however, can be unhealthy for any person.
People who are most at risk of the symptoms of mold exposure are:
The main health risks related to mold exposure are allergies and irritation, which typically cause respiratory symptoms.
People with weakened immune systems may also have a risk of fungal infection.
A doctor may diagnose a mold allergy according to a person's symptoms and their medical and family histories.
They may also perform tests. These include a skin prick test to check for reactions to common allergens, and blood tests to measure the immune system's response to mold and check for allergies to specific types of mold.
A doctor may take a blood sample to diagnose a systemic fungal infection in someone with a weakened immune system. In some cases, further testing may be necessary.
Treatment for a mold allergy is similar to treatment for other types of airborne allergens. Options include:
For a long-term solution, a doctor may recommend immunotherapy. This involves getting a series of allergy shots over a few years.
Immunotherapy can be highly effective, but it is only suitable for certain types of mold allergies.
Individuals should treat all molds the same when it comes to removing them from the home.
The CDC recommends:
A person may also consider contacting a professional if there is extensive mold growth in the home or if a person has allergic reactions when cleaning moldy surfaces.
Mold thrives in damp and humid environments.
The most effective way to prevent mold growth is to monitor the humidity level in the home. It should be no higher than 50% throughout the day.
A person should check the humidity level regularly, as it can change every few hours. They may also use a dehumidifier if necessary, especially during humid months.
To prevent mold, a person can also:
To prevent or reduce the symptoms of a mold allergy, a person may:
A person should also use proper safety equipment when cleaning up mold in an industrial setting or after a natural disaster.
On the basis of current research, black mold exposure is no more dangerous than any other type of mold exposure.
It is impossible to avoid exposure to mold — the spores are almost everywhere in the atmosphere.
In high amounts or in people with allergies, exposure to any mold may cause allergy symptoms. In people with underlying health conditions, it may lead to more serious complications.
Regardless of the type of mold, it is important to remove it from the home for hygiene and health reasons.
Anyone with concerns about the effects of mold on their health should speak with a doctor.
Read this article in Spanish.
How To Spot Mattress Mold And Deal With It Quickly
Images shows black mold on a white mattress.
Moldy mattresses are all over the news this weekend following Costco recalling 48,000 mattresses due to mold growth as reported by 541 customers, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The recall applies to Novafoam ComfortGrande 14" and NovaFoam DreamAway 8" mattresses bought at Costco stores in the Northwest United States and in the San Francisco Bay area. The CPSC states that, 'The mattresses could have been exposed to water during the manufacturing process.'
But what does that mean for your mattress at home? Could it ever be at risk of developing mold? This article guides you through what you need to know about mattress mold, how to spot it and how to get rid of it. If after reading you decide to buy a new bed instead, take a look at our guide to the best mattress for all sleepers for our hypoallergenic picks. We've also listed our three favourite anti-mold mattresses below.
Mattress mold is a fungus made up of tiny organisms. Left untreated, these fungal spores will spread rapidly throughout your mattress and ruin it. Mattress mold can also spread to bedding, carpets and other hard and soft furnishings and surfaces.
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On a health level, the CDC says that mold exposure can lead to a stuffy nose, wheezing or itchy eyes and skin, and it can worsen existing respiratory issues. A telltale sign of mattress mold is frequently waking up feeling congested or having a headache. Other factors can cause both of these too, including a build-up of allergens on your pillow and mattress.
A woman with short blonde hair blows her nose in bed because she has a cold and a stuffy nose
Symptoms of early stage mattress moldMold growing beneath your mattress is a particular problem for people who put their mattress straight on the floor instead of on a base or platform.
But even if you use a frame or base to elevate your mattress away from the floor, it can still grow mold if the conditions in your bedroom encourage mold growth. Chief among these is a dark and damp environment. Water exposure is what affected the recalled Costco Novafoam mattresses.
These are the main signs that your mattress has mold growing on it:
You can visibly see off-white, pink or fluffy black-ish spots of mold
Your mattress has a strong musty smell
Your mattress has multi-colored stains
New stains are forming and you aren't sure what caused them
You've seen mold in other parts of your bedroom
Mold stains on a mattress are usually purple, brown or green and these are bad news because it means that the mold growth is pretty established.
If you've spotted mold on your walls or furniture, there's a chance those mold spores have found their way into your soft and porous mattress too.
How to prevent mattress moldGood mattress hygiene is the best way to stop mold from growing on your mattress. This means learning how to clean a mattress properly and how often you should do it, as well as investing in one of the best mattress protectors for safe-guarding against spores, allergens and stains.
We recommend reading the care instructions for your particular mattress first, then doing the following:
Vacuum your mattress on a monthly basis to get rid of dust mites and allergens such as dead skin and hair.
Deal with liquid spills as soon as they hit your mattress - don't let them soak in.
Remove stains as best you can with either baking soda or hydrogen peroxide if it's safe for use on your bed.
Place the mattress in direct sunlight to kill bacteria and early mold spores but be aware that this may fade your mattress cover.
Use a mattress protector at all times.
Use a good humidifier to reduce moisture levels.
If you live in a damp home, we'd recommend cleaning and caring for your mattress on a monthly basis. This is a lot of work compared to the twice-yearly clean normally recommended, but damp homes have an increased risk of mold and your porous mattress is very susceptible.
Image shows a person wearing blue disposable cleaning gloves scrubbing black mold off a white mattress
How to remove mold from a mattressRemoving mattress mold is very hard. If it has penetrated the surface, we'd recommend ditching the mattress and buying a new one that is mold-resistant and hypoallergenic (see our suggestions below).
However, if you want to try and save your mattress first and if it has very small or mild signs of mold exposure, there are a few things you can do. According to mattress brand Casper, rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are two methods to help you get mold out of a mattress.
You'll first need to vacuum the top, bottom and sides of your mattress. Next, either mix equal parts rubbing alcohol with warm water and dip a cleaning cloth into it, or mix one part hydrogen peroxide to three parts water. You'll need a cleaning brush, not a cloth, for using hydrogen peroxide.
Scrub at the mold until you have removed all visible spores, then clean your mattress deeply before leaving it to dry in direct sunlight.
Time to buy a new mattress?You should never sleep on a mattress that has signs of mold. Even after deep cleaning, you will need to be extra vigilant to ensure the mold spores do not return. Our best advice is to consider investing in a new hypoallergenic mattress, especially if your current bed is over seven years old, is stained or showing signs of sagging.
Here are three of our favorite anti-mold mattresses on sale now:
Saatva Classic Mattress: from $931 at Saatva Beyond being the best hybrid mattress in America, the Saatva Classic is treated with a Guardin Botanical Antimicrobial formula. This stops the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew. Our Saatva Classic Mattress review goes into detail on this and why this Saatva hybrid is so highly rated in general.View Deal
Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress: from $699 at Awara Latex is one of the best naturally mold-resistant materials yet latex mattresses are expensive. That's because latex is long-lasting, in addition to being breathable, and those perks come at a higher cost. Awara is one of the most affordable you can buy and it comes with a year's free trial and a lifetime warranty. Take a look at our Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress review to learn why it's a recommend pick.View Deal
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress: from $1,099 at WinkBeds The EcoCloud is made with 100% natural Talalay latex. This material is mold, mildew and dust mite resistant. Plus, it's low maintenance in terms of cleaning. Talalay latex mattresses also last 10-15 years on average, but up to 20 when well cared for. This WinkBeds mattress is excellent for greener sleep, though if you have back pain we'd suggest reading our WinkBeds Mattress review instead.View Deal
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