Data and Statistics on Mucormycosis

At a glance

  • Mucormycosis outbreaks are rare but have occurred in the past.
  • In healthcare settings, it can be difficult to determine whether mucormycosis is healthcare-associated or whether the infections were acquired somewhere else.
A healthcare provider on the phone with a health worker.

Trends

Mucormycosis is rare, but the exact number of cases and trends are difficult to determine because national surveillance for this condition does not exist in the United States.

People who have certain medical conditions or are taking medications that weaken their immune system are at risk for mucormycosis.

  • Prospective surveillance among 16,808 transplant recipients performed in 23 institutions during 2001–2006 found that mucormycosis was the third most common type of invasive fungal infection in stem cell transplant recipients and accounted for 8% of all invasive fungal infections (77 mucormycete cases occurred among 983 stem cell transplant recipients who developed any fungal infection).
  • Among solid organ transplant recipients, mucormycosis accounted for 2% of all invasive fungal infections (28 mucormycete cases occurred among 1,208 solid organ transplant recipients who developed any fungal infection). The number of cases varied widely across participating institutions.
  • During 2019, An estimated 1,140 mucormycosis-associated hospitalizations happened in the United States.

Deaths due to mucormycosis

  • Depending on the patient and body site(s) affected, mucormycosis may be associated with >50% mortality rate.
  • During 2021, a total of 232 mucormycosis-associated deaths occurred, according to data from the U.S. National Vital Statistics System.

Outbreaks

  • Healthcare providers who are concerned about an unusual number of new cases should contact their state or local public health agency.
  • Although most cases of mucormycosis are sporadic (not part of an outbreak), outbreaks of mucormycosis have occurred. In healthcare settings, it can be difficult to determine whether mucormycosis is healthcare-associated or whether the infections were acquired somewhere else.
  • Some examples of sources implicated in healthcare-associated mucormycosis outbreaks include adhesive bandages, wooden tongue depressors, hospital linens, negative pressure rooms, water leaks, poor air filtration, non-sterile medical devices, and building construction.
  • Community-onset outbreaks have been associated with trauma sustained during natural disasters.

Resources

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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)