Mucormycosis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Emergency Signs
Updated: 3 days ago
Medically reviewed by *Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD* · Last reviewed: October 2026
Quick Answer: What is mucormycosis?
Mucormycosis is a serious, non-contagious fungal infection caused by environmental fungi called mucormycetes, affecting the sinuses, eyes, brain, lungs, gut or skin. It is most common with diabetes or weakened immunity. Treatment requires antifungal medicine and sometimes surgery, and even a few days' delay can reduce survival. Go to an emergency room immediately for possible symptoms. [1]
What the research says
Diabetes and corticosteroid exposure stand out as major risk factors, and delay worsens outcomes. A systematic review of 36 studies of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis in people with diabetes found that diabetes was present in most cases, with poor glycaemic control and diabetic ketoacidosis frequently reported and corticosteroid therapy identified as a major contributing factor. Rhino-orbital-cerebral disease was the most common presentation. Early antifungal treatment, surgical debridement and strict glycaemic control were associated with better outcomes, while delayed diagnosis and cerebral involvement were linked to higher mortality; about 40% of the included studies were case reports or case series, so the authors urged cautious interpretation (Bansal et al., J Maxillofac Oral Surg, 2026). [2]
The leading risk factor differs by region, and the infection is hard to diagnose. A systematic review of global reports found that hematological malignancies are the leading risk factor in developed countries, while uncontrolled diabetes dominates in regions such as India. The authors noted that nonspecific symptoms make diagnosis challenging, contributing to delayed treatment and poor outcomes (Ravindhiran et al., Indian J Microbiol, 2026). [3]
What causes mucormycosis?
Mucormycosis is caused by several types of fungi called mucormycetes. Common examples include Rhizopus oryzae and Rhizopus delemar.
These fungi live in the environment, especially in dirt, compost and rotting leaves or wood. They can also contaminate food that has not been washed well.
Most people can breathe in or touch these fungi without becoming ill. Infection is more likely when the immune system cannot fight the fungi effectively or when spores enter damaged skin. [1]
How do people get it?
People can acquire mucormycosis in several ways:
Breathing in fungal spores.
Eating material contaminated with fungal spores.
Getting spores into a cut, scrape, burn or other break in the skin.
Rarely, exposure to contaminated medical equipment in a healthcare setting.
Fungal spores are very small and cannot be seen or completely avoided. Natural disasters can disrupt large amounts of soil and make spores airborne.
Is mucormycosis contagious?
No. Mucormycosis is not contagious and does not spread from person to person. The infection comes from environmental fungi rather than from another person. [1]
A person with mucormycosis does not need to be avoided because of ordinary household contact. However, the person needs urgent medical care, and the care team may provide setting-specific instructions.
Who is at higher risk?
Mucormycosis is most likely in people with diabetes or conditions and treatments that weaken the immune system.
Risk factor | Why it matters |
Diabetes | Risk is especially important with high blood sugar or diabetic ketoacidosis. Poorly managed diabetes is strongly associated with the sinus, eye and brain form. |
Cancer | Hematologic cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma are important risk conditions. |
Neutropenia | A low neutrophil count can reduce the body’s ability to fight infection. |
Organ transplant | Solid-organ transplant recipients have increased risk. |
Stem-cell transplant | Hematopoietic stem-cell or bone-marrow transplant increases risk. |
Long-term corticosteroids | Corticosteroid use can weaken immune defenses. |
Iron overload | Hemochromatosis and excess iron can contribute to risk. |
Traumatic skin injury | Burns, scrapes or other injuries can let spores enter the skin. |
Nonmedical injection drug use | Injection can create skin breaks and introduce contaminated material. |
Prematurity or low birth weight | These are associated with gastrointestinal mucormycosis risk in infants. |
Having a risk factor does not mean a person has mucormycosis. It means that concerning symptoms should be treated as time-sensitive.
What are the types of mucormycosis?
The infection is classified partly by the body area it affects.
Type | Main area involved | Key context |
Rhino-orbital-cerebral | Sinuses, tissues around the eye and brain | The most common type; strongly associated with poorly managed diabetes and organ transplant. |
Pulmonary | Lungs | Often affects people with hematologic cancer, neutropenia or a transplant. |
Cutaneous | Skin and deeper tissue | Begins when fungi enter a skin break; it is the most common type in people with healthy immune systems. |
Gastrointestinal | Stomach or intestines | Most common in premature infants; also occurs in adults with neutropenia, long-term corticosteroid use or other immune weakness. |
Disseminated | Multiple organs through the bloodstream | The most serious form; it most often spreads to the brain and can also affect the heart, spleen or skin. |
What are the symptoms of mucormycosis?
Symptoms depend on where the infection is located. Because the infection can worsen quickly, do not wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking medical attention.
Rhino-orbital-cerebral symptoms
Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis begins in the sinuses and can spread to the area around the eye and the brain. Possible symptoms include:
Fever.
Headache.
Sinus pain.
Nasal congestion.
Ulcers or sores on the roof of the mouth.
Vision loss or double vision.
Difficulty controlling eye movements or smiling.
Bulging eyes.
Swelling around the eyes.
Black tears or pus draining from the eyes.
Confusion or other mental changes.
These symptoms can have other causes, but they require immediate evaluation when mucormycosis is possible.
Pulmonary symptoms
Pulmonary mucormycosis affects the lungs. Possible symptoms include: [1]
Fever.
Chest pain.
Shortness of breath.
Coughing up blood.
Breathing difficulty and coughing up blood are emergency symptoms regardless of the cause.
Cutaneous symptoms
Cutaneous mucormycosis enters through a break in the skin. It may begin after a scrape, cut, burn or traumatic injury contaminated with environmental material. [1]
Possible symptoms include:
Painful blisters.
Ulcers.
Hard patches on the skin.
Skin redness or discoloration.
Swelling.
The skin may worsen over time, turn black or become discolored, and spread over a larger area or deeper into muscle or bone.
Gastrointestinal symptoms
Gastrointestinal mucormycosis affects the stomach or intestines. Possible symptoms include: [1]
Abdominal pain.
Nausea and vomiting.
Gastrointestinal bleeding.
Disseminated symptoms
Disseminated mucormycosis spreads through the blood to different parts of the body. It most often spreads to the brain but may also involve the heart, spleen or skin.
Symptoms may resemble symptoms of the other forms or the person’s underlying illness. Mental changes, seizures or other rapidly worsening symptoms are emergencies.
Warning sign | Why it needs urgent attention |
Vision loss or double vision | May indicate involvement around the eye or brain. |
Swelling around the eye or bulging eye | Can occur with sinus infection spreading near the eye. |
Black tears, black mucus or blackening skin | May signal destructive tissue involvement. |
Confusion or seizures | May indicate brain involvement or serious illness. |
Coughing up blood or shortness of breath | May occur when the lungs are involved and requires emergency assessment. |
A wound that spreads or will not heal | May indicate cutaneous infection extending into deeper tissue. |
What are the complications?
Mucormycosis can cause destructive and life-threatening complications, and the infection can also affect the brain, lungs, heart and other organs.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis: A blood clot in a large vein at the base of the brain, behind the eyes, that can be fatal.
Necrotizing fasciitis: A severe, rapidly spreading infection that can be fatal.
Osteomyelitis: An infection in the bones that can destroy bone tissue.
The infection can also affect the brain, lungs, heart, spleen and other organs, especially when it spreads through the bloodstream.
How is mucormycosis diagnosed?
A provider may suspect mucormycosis based on symptoms and underlying health conditions. Diagnosis generally requires imaging of affected body areas and testing body tissue for signs of fungi.
Test | What it may show or involve |
Chest X-ray | May help assess the lungs when pulmonary infection is suspected. |
CT scan | Provides detailed images of the sinuses, lungs or other affected areas. |
MRI | May help assess the brain, sinuses, eyes or other soft tissues. |
Endobronchial ultrasound | A bronchoscopy using a thin, lighted tube with an ultrasound attachment to view the lungs. |
Bronchoscopy | Allows a provider to examine the airways and obtain material when appropriate. |
Tissue biopsy | Tissue is examined under a microscope or with laboratory testing for mucormycetes. |
The type and urgency of testing depend on symptoms, the suspected infection site and the person’s health risks. Testing should not delay emergency evaluation when serious symptoms are present.
How is mucormycosis treated?
Treatment requires antifungal medicine and may also require surgery to remove infected or dead tissue. [1]
Antifungal medicines used for treatment include:
Amphotericin B.
Posaconazole.
Isavuconazole.
Treatment may continue for several weeks or months. The medication, dose, route and duration must be selected and monitored by a qualified medical team.
Surgery may be needed to remove infected or dead tissue. The treatment plan depends on the body area involved, the extent of infection, underlying conditions and response to therapy.
Do not try to treat suspected mucormycosis with over-the-counter products, leftover medicines or home remedies. This infection can become fatal without rapid, specialized treatment.
Can mucormycosis be cured?
Mucormycosis can be cured with early treatment, but it can be difficult to cure. A delay of even a few days can greatly reduce the chance of survival.
Because the infection is often diagnosed in people with compromised immune systems and can affect vital organs, outcomes vary widely.
Reported overall mortality is around 54%. Sinus-only infection has a somewhat lower reported mortality rate of about 46%, while disseminated mucormycosis is almost always fatal. These are population-level estimates, not predictions for one person.
The most important practical point is speed: suspected symptoms require immediate medical attention.
When should I go to the emergency room?
Go to an emergency room immediately if you have possible mucormycosis symptoms, especially if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Emergency symptoms include:
Fever above 103°F (39.4°C).
Difficulty breathing.
Coughing up blood.
Bulging eyes or swelling around the eyes.
Vision changes, including double vision.
Confusion or other mental changes.
Seizures.
Black mucus or tears.
A wound that will not heal, keeps spreading or turns black.
Do not wait for a routine appointment or an online response when these symptoms are present. If you are too weak, confused or short of breath to travel safely, use local emergency services.
How can I reduce the risk?
Mucormycosis risk is hard to avoid completely because the fungi that cause it live throughout the environment. Risk reduction focuses on managing underlying conditions, limiting high-risk exposure and caring for skin injuries.
Risk-reduction step | Practical action |
Manage underlying conditions | Work with a healthcare provider to manage diabetes, cancer and other conditions that affect immune function. |
Discuss prevention with a provider | People at high risk may be prescribed preventive antifungal medicine when a clinician determines it is appropriate. |
Ask about work exposure | Discuss risk if a job involves soil, dust, construction or other fungal exposure. |
Use respiratory protection | Avoid construction dust when possible; use an N95 respirator or other protective equipment when exposure cannot be avoided. |
Protect skin during yard work | Avoid gardening or digging when high risk; if outdoor work is necessary, wear gloves and clothing that covers skin. |
Clean cuts and scrapes | Wash skin injuries well with soap and water. |
Risk reduction does not replace medical attention. A person with a high-risk condition and possible symptoms should seek emergency care.
Does COVID-19 increase mucormycosis risk?
A 2021 outbreak involved mucormycosis cases among people with COVID-19 in certain regions, but the relationship remained uncertain. Many affected people also had poorly managed diabetes or were using corticosteroids, both of which are risk factors.
The available evidence does not establish that COVID-19 alone causes mucormycosis. Do not use COVID status to dismiss or delay evaluation of possible symptoms.
What questions should you ask a provider about mucormycosis?
Useful questions about mucormycosis cover your risk level, emergency symptoms, needed tests, antifungal treatment, possible surgery and how to protect yourself from exposure.
Am I at higher risk for a serious fungal infection?
Could my diabetes, cancer, transplant, neutropenia or medication affect my risk?
What symptoms should prompt emergency care?
Which imaging or tissue tests are needed?
Could the infection involve my sinuses, eyes, lungs, brain, skin or digestive tract?
What antifungal treatment is appropriate?
Will surgery be needed to remove infected or dead tissue?
How long might treatment continue?
What side effects should I report immediately?
How can I protect myself from high-dust or soil exposure?
How should I clean and monitor a skin injury?
Conclusion
Mucormycosis is a rare but serious fungal infection caused by environmental mucormycetes. It can affect the sinuses, eyes, brain, lungs, digestive tract or skin and is most likely in people with diabetes or weakened immune systems.
It is not contagious. People acquire it from environmental spores through breathing, eating contaminated material or a break in the skin.
Possible warning signs include vision changes, swelling around the eyes, black tears or mucus, confusion, seizures, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, severe fever and a wound that spreads or turns black.
Diagnosis may require imaging and tissue testing. Treatment uses antifungal medicine and may require surgery. Early treatment is critical, and a delay of even a few days can greatly reduce survival. If mucormycosis is possible—especially with diabetes, cancer, a transplant or weakened immunity—go to an emergency room or seek immediate medical attention now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mucormycosis?
Mucormycosis is a serious fungal infection caused by fungi called mucormycetes. It can affect the sinuses, eyes, brain, lungs, digestive tract and skin.
Is mucormycosis contagious?
No. Mucormycosis is acquired from environmental fungi and does not spread from person to person.
What causes mucormycosis?
Environmental fungi cause mucormycosis. People can become infected by breathing in spores, eating contaminated material or getting spores into a break in the skin.
Who is at highest risk?
People with diabetes, especially high blood sugar or diabetic ketoacidosis, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Other risk factors include cancer, neutropenia, organ or stem-cell transplant, long-term corticosteroid use, iron overload, traumatic skin injury and prematurity or low birth weight.
What are the first symptoms of mucormycosis?
Symptoms depend on the body area involved. Possible early or developing symptoms include fever, headache, sinus pain, nasal congestion, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, painful skin lesions, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting.
What does mucormycosis do to the eyes?
Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis can cause swelling around the eyes, bulging eyes, vision loss, double vision, difficulty controlling eye movements, black tears or drainage, and mental changes if the infection spreads.
What does mucormycosis look like on the skin?
Cutaneous mucormycosis may cause painful blisters, ulcers, hard patches, redness, discoloration or swelling. The affected skin may worsen, turn black or spread into deeper tissue.
How is mucormycosis diagnosed?
Evaluation may include chest X-rays, CT scans, MRI, bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound and tissue biopsy. Providers use imaging and tissue testing to look for signs of mucormycetes.
How is mucormycosis treated?
Treatment uses antifungal medicines such as amphotericin B, posaconazole or isavuconazole. Surgery may be needed to remove infected or dead tissue. Treatment can last weeks or months.
Can mucormycosis be cured?
Yes, early treatment can cure mucormycosis, but the infection can be difficult to treat. A delay of even a few days can greatly reduce survival.
What is the mortality rate for mucormycosis?
Reported overall mortality is around 54%, and sinus-only infection has a reported rate around 46%. Disseminated mucormycosis is almost always fatal. These are population-level estimates and do not predict an individual outcome.
When should I go to the ER for mucormycosis?
Go immediately for fever above 103°F (39.4°C), difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, swelling or bulging around the eyes, double vision or vision loss, confusion, seizures, black mucus or tears, or a wound that will not heal, keeps spreading or turns black.
Can I prevent mucormycosis?
Complete prevention is difficult because the fungi are widespread. Managing underlying conditions, avoiding high-dust exposure, using an N95 respirator when appropriate, wearing gloves and covered clothing for outdoor work, and cleaning cuts and scrapes can reduce risk.
Does COVID-19 cause mucormycosis?
A 2021 outbreak occurred among people with COVID-19 in certain regions, but the relationship was uncertain. Many affected people also had poorly managed diabetes or used corticosteroids. COVID-19 alone has not been established as the sole cause.
Related guides
Related guides for mucormycosis cover fungal infections, aspergillosis, diabetic ketoacidosis and diabetes.
Related Reading
Maxillectomy: Types, Reconstruction and Recovery explains maxillectomy surgery.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mucormycosis Basics. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed October 5, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/mucormycosis/about/index.html
Bansal S, Jakhetiya A, Managutti A, Rai M. Understanding the interplay: a descriptive synthesis of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis in diabetic patients. J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2026;25(5):1622-1632. PMID 42824498. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-026-03131-4
Ravindhiran R, Chidambaram K, Subramanian A, et al. Uncovering the predisposing factors of mucormycosis: insights from systematic review. Indian J Microbiol. 2026;66(3):522-535. PMID 42325459. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12088-025-01491-y
Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions about a medical condition or treatment.
Possible mucormycosis symptoms require immediate medical assessment, especially in people with diabetes, cancer, transplant history, neutropenia or other immune weakness. Do not delay emergency care to read more, wait for a routine appointment or try home treatment. Population-level mortality estimates cannot predict an individual outcome.
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