High fever persists after Spring Festival house cleaning? Beware of mold invasion into the brain

A seemingly ordinary household cleaning task could actually pose health risks. After a 6-year-old girl in Zhengzhou cleaned an old house with her family, she suddenly developed a high fever. Hospital tests revealed shocking results—her brain was riddled with multiple cavities caused by fungi. This invisible microscopic invasion originated from mold in the corners of the old house. This case is not an isolated incident but a warning to all families: before spring cleaning, you must understand the real threat of mold.

Why Is Aspergillus So Dangerous—The Medical Truth About Mold Infections

Mold, seemingly an insignificant household “guest,” is actually a widespread filamentous fungus in nature. One of the most dangerous types is Aspergillus, which appears most frequently in cases of mold infection in China, followed by Aspergillus flavus, black mold, and Penicillium.

Where do these molds like to hide? Corners of walls, kitchen stoves, deep inside refrigerators, washing machine drums, air conditioner filters, and even in long-stored books and carpets can become their breeding grounds. When rooms are humid, poorly ventilated, and left uncleaned for long periods, mold spores proliferate rapidly.

It’s important to note that not everyone exposed to mold will get infected. Most people’s immune systems are strong enough to eliminate these invaders automatically. Only when two conditions occur simultaneously—high mold concentration and weakened immunity—does infection become likely. This explains why the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses are high-risk groups.

Immunity Is the Defense—Lessons from Real Cases

Over the past year, reports of mold infections have been frequent. Last spring, a woman in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, found mold spots all over her wardrobe while tidying up. She didn’t take protective measures and cleaned directly, inhaling大量 spores without a mask. A few days later, she developed a fever and cough, with a temperature reaching 104°F (40°C). Hospital tests confirmed she had aspergillosis.

A more severe case occurred early last year. Mr. Zhang from Yangzhou, Jiangsu, started a thorough house cleaning for the New Year. During cleaning, he accidentally inhaled大量 dust and mold spores. This triggered his asthma; although he took his usual asthma medication, his symptoms worsened. Eventually, scans showed his lungs were infected with fungi, diagnosed as pulmonary aspergillosis.

Dr. Li Tong, chief physician at Beijing You’an Hospital’s Infectious Disease Department, pointed out that immunocompromised individuals inhaling these fungi are prone to lung lesions, medically called aspergillosis. Even more dangerous, the infection can enter the bloodstream via the respiratory tract and spread throughout the body. The brain, with its rich blood supply, is the most vulnerable organ to fungal invasion. This explains why the girl in Zhengzhou experienced severe brain infection consequences.

Beyond the Respiratory System—Multiple Threats from Mold

The dangers of mold go far beyond what people imagine. It not only damages the aesthetics of homes but also acts as an invisible killer affecting multiple body systems.

The respiratory system is the first to suffer. Black mold thrives in damp environments like showers and sinks, posing risks especially to children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, causing respiratory illnesses and lung infections. Penicillium often appears on walls or floating in the air, triggering asthma attacks. Aspergillus is even more serious—listed by the World Health Organization as a priority fungal pathogen. Invasive aspergillosis indicates a critical condition. This mold can be found on decaying leaves, highlighting its widespread presence.

Mold is also a major allergen. It forms dense mycelial networks that continuously produce大量 spores. These tiny spores easily disperse in the air, causing symptoms like red, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and persistent cough in sensitive individuals. Data from Beijing Tongren Hospital shows mold is a significant trigger for allergic rhinitis, especially active in summer.

The digestive system is not spared. Mold infections can cause esophagitis and gastroenteritis due to Candida or other fungi. Some molds secrete toxins—Aflatoxin from Aspergillus flavus is a well-known carcinogen.

Scientific Cleaning and Prevention—A Complete Guide to Reject Mold Growth

Given how dangerous mold is, household cleaning becomes a necessary defense. Fortunately, mold is not invincible.

Cleaning relies on high temperatures and chemical disinfectants. Mold fears high heat—washing items in water above 80°C or sun-drying can effectively kill it. For chemical cleaning, properly mixing 84 disinfectant (sodium hypochlorite solution) according to instructions is standard.

For mold on walls, treatment varies. If mold spots are small, wiping with a cloth suffices. Bleach spray can be used but be cautious—colored walls may bleach out. If wallpaper is moldy, avoid water; instead, wipe with alcohol-soaked cloth.

Protective measures are equally important. When removing mold, wear gloves and masks to prevent skin and respiratory exposure. Open windows to ventilate and expel harmful spores.

Toxic Risks of Mixing Cleaners—Safety Warnings for Spring Cleaning

Many make a deadly mistake during spring cleaning: mixing different cleaning agents. While it may seem to boost cleaning power, it hides chemical dangers.

Combining toilet cleaners with 84 disinfectant is especially dangerous. The mixture releases chlorine gas—a toxic, irritating substance. Inhalation causes nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and diarrhea; severe cases can be life-threatening.

Mixing 84 disinfectant with laundry detergent is also unsafe. This reaction neutralizes the disinfectant, reducing effectiveness and potentially producing toxic compounds.

Using dish soap with toilet cleaner is similarly harmful. Dish soap is alkaline; toilet cleaner is acidic. Combining them causes neutralization, greatly diminishing cleaning power.

Safe cleaning tips include:

• Wear professional gloves before cleaning
• Use masks to prevent inhaling fumes
• Wear goggles to protect eyes
• Never mix different cleaning agents

Spring cleaning requires effort but also brains. Understanding mold hazards, mastering proper cleaning methods, and using safe strategies will ensure your pre-holiday sanitation truly protects your family’s health, not inadvertently creating hidden dangers. Before grabbing your cleaning tools, remember: scientific protection is the best New Year’s gift for your family.