A 6-year-old girl in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, developed a severe intracranial infection after participating in a large cleaning of an old house and inhaling Aspergillus fumigatus. She had a high fever for 17 days that did not subside, and hospital images revealed over twenty cavities in her brain. Fortunately, she survived after receiving emergency treatment.
According to a report by Red Star News, the girl accompanied her family back to their long-uninhabited ancestral home in mid-January to clean and organize the place. Soon after, she began experiencing persistent fever symptoms. As her condition worsened, her family took her to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University for treatment. Brain imaging showed over twenty abnormal cavities scattered throughout her brain.
Dr. Huo Yufeng, deputy director of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Zhengzhou First Affiliated Hospital, stated that the girl was diagnosed with an infection of Aspergillus fumigatus. This fungus is commonly found in damp, moldy environments, and can be present on soil, air, and surfaces of moldy materials. Once inhaled through the respiratory system, it can invade the lungs and become life-threatening if left untreated.
Based on the comprehensive analysis of the girl’s medical history, the doctors believe she likely inhaled a large amount of dust containing mold spores while cleaning the old house. Combined with the fact that children have immature immune systems, the fungus rapidly attacked her brain. With timely antifungal treatment, her condition is now stabilizing.
According to online sources, Aspergillus fumigatus belongs to the pathogenic fungi of the genus Aspergillus in the family Trichocomaceae, and it can grow on soil, air, grains, contaminated food, and moldy substances.
Experts advise that Aspergillus fumigatus is prone to grow in old houses with poor ventilation and long-term dampness, with a higher risk of dust being raised during cleaning. Children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems should avoid participating in such cleaning activities. When necessary, they should wear protective masks, gloves, and use wet cleaning or vacuuming equipment to reduce the risk of inhalation.