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Northshore teen is raising awareness after her battle with mold-related illness
WDSU • • health
Key Points:
- A CDC study reveals invasive mold infections may be more common than previously thought, with about 450 cases identified in Atlanta-area hospitals over five years and a one-third in-hospital death rate.
- Most patients with invasive mold infections had impaired immune systems, and hospitals can expect 3 to 5 cases annually per 100 inpatient beds, though these illnesses are not required to be reported by doctors.
- 19-year-old Elaina Faler from Louisiana suffered from mold-related illness and mast cell activation syndrome triggered by mold exposure in her home, leading to severe symptoms and delayed diagnosis.
- After discovering mold in their house, Elaina's family moved out and sought treatment from a holistic medicine specialist in Florida, where she is currently undergoing therapy and preparing to return to university.
- The Faler family is raising awareness about the dangers of mold exposure, urging others to inspect their homes for mold, especially in humid climates like Louisiana, while highlighting the challenges of treatment costs not covered by insurance.
