Fort Worth family abandons home after discovering mold hidden in walls; members hospitalized, child diagnosed with thyroid condition

A Fort Worth family says it was forced from its home after discovering toxic mold hidden inside the walls, a discovery they blame for months of illness, hospital visits and a child’s thyroid disorder.

Alexandra and Jefte Campos bought the house in September 2021 and, within months, told reporters they and their three children began experiencing persistent health problems. The couple said they initially suffered cold-like respiratory symptoms and severe fatigue that persisted despite medical care.

Alexandra Campos described chronic, disabling fatigue and other symptoms that she said prevented her from carrying out normal activities. "I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue. I was just exhausted all the time, my feet hurt, I couldn't walk on the ground without comfy slippers. I couldn't wear my wedding ring because my hands were swollen and painful," she told the Daily Mail. The couple said Jefte was hospitalized for a week as his condition worsened.

Their then-four-year-old daughter, Maeve, developed heart palpitations, a raspy voice and flushed skin, and was diagnosed in 2023 with Graves' disease and Thyroid Eye Disease, autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid and tissues around the eyes. The family says they later found extensive mold growth inside the walls of the house and believe exposure to the mold contributed to their illnesses.

The discovery prompted medical visits and further concern about chronic health impacts. The family reported multiple hospital treatments and said they ultimately left the house, describing the loss of their "dream home" and significant emotional and financial strain.

Medical and public-health authorities note that mold exposure is associated with a range of symptoms, including nasal and respiratory irritation, coughing and exacerbation of asthma in susceptible people. Some people report systemic symptoms such as fatigue, though establishing a direct causal link between household mold and specific autoimmune diseases can be complex and typically requires medical and environmental investigation.

The Camposes’ account underscores the challenges homeowners face when indoor environmental hazards emerge. Experts recommend that people who suspect significant mold growth obtain professional environmental assessments and consult physicians to document symptoms and obtain appropriate testing and treatment. Remediation of mold-contaminated structures often requires identifying and fixing moisture sources and conducting thorough cleanup or removal of affected materials.

The family’s report comes as awareness has grown about indoor air quality and health. Regulatory and medical guidance emphasizes prevention, timely remediation of water intrusion and attention to symptoms that persist after moving into or renovating a home.

Representatives for the Sellers or contractors involved in the house sale did not provide comments to the reporting outlet. The Campos family says they are pursuing options to address the health and housing consequences but have not announced legal action publicly.

The couple described their experience as devastating and warned other homebuyers to be vigilant about signs of hidden water damage and mold. They continue to seek medical care for their family while searching for stable housing away from the property they now associate with the illnesses that began after they moved in.

Public health officials urge anyone with persistent or worsening symptoms potentially related to indoor air quality to seek medical evaluation and to document health complaints and housing conditions, which can assist clinicians and public-health investigators in assessing possible environmental causes.