Mucormycosis

Mucormycosis (also called zygomycosis) is a rare infection caused by organisms that belong to a group of fungi called Mucoromycotina in the order Mucorales. At one time these fungi were called Zygomycota, but this scientific name has recently been changed. These fungi are typically found in the soil and in association with decaying organic matter, such as leaves, compost piles, or rotten wood.

For other Fungal topics, visit the Fungal Homepage.

Microscopy ofApophysomyces, one of the causative agents of mucormycosis.

Mucormycosis Topics

Definition

What is mucormycosis?…

Symptoms

Sinus & skin infections, lungs, clinical features…

People at Risk & Prevention

Who gets it and how, handling debris, proper wound care…

Sources of Infection

Inhalation of spores, contact with the skin…

Diagnosis & Testing

See your health care provider, sample tissue, clinical diagnosis…

Treatment & Outcomes

Antifungal treatment, mortality rate…

Outbreaks

What you need to know…

Statistics

Incidence, surveillance…

Print-N-Go Fact Sheet

Mucormycosis: The Basics [PDF - 215 KB]

Spotlight

Mucormycosis following the Joplin, Missouri Tornado

CDC assisted the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) with an investigation into a number of reports of fungal skin infection in people who were injured by the tornado that struck Joplin in May 2011.

Read about Tornado Survivors Battling the Deadly Fungus Outbreakon the Public Health Matters Blog