PerthNow reported on 20 May 2025 that fitness influencer Sophie Guidolin had been in hospital since 8 May and linked her reported health problems to black mould exposure in her Gold Coast home, which was damaged during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The report reflects Guidolin’s account; it does not independently establish her diagnosis or prove that mould caused her hospitalisation.
What was reported about Sophie Guidolin?
PerthNow’s 20 May 2025 report said Guidolin, then 36, had been in hospital since 8 May after exposure to black mould inside her Gold Coast home. The home had reportedly been damaged when ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred hit the Queensland coast in March. The article reproduced a statement attributed to a social-media post by Guidolin: “Sorry guys, since the update of hospitalisation on May 8, I am literally just surviving.” It also reported that she said she was unable to speak and was trying to recover. These are statements attributed to Guidolin, not an independently confirmed clinical account. PerthNow’s report did not establish a medical diagnosis, identify the mould species, or document the extent or duration of exposure.
Can mould make you sick?
Queensland Health says mould exposure may occur through inhalation, skin contact or ingestion. It says people with a normal immune system are unlikely to be affected, while people with asthma or lung disease, mould allergies, older people and people with chronic diseases may be more likely to develop health problems. Anyone concerned about health effects should seek medical advice. Queensland Health’s disaster mould guidance does not establish a causal link between mould and Guidolin’s hospitalisation.
Why mould can follow cyclone damage
Cyclones and severe weather can leave excess moisture and humidity indoors, creating conditions favourable to mould growth. How quickly mould develops depends on water exposure and humidity. ABC News reported that mould can appear in as little as 48 hours in suitable conditions; that is a conditional possibility, not a universal timeline or evidence about the conditions inside Guidolin’s home. ABC News’ Alfred cleanup advice covers practical steps for limiting mould after water damage.
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How to approach mould cleanup after a cyclone
Follow current local and state authority instructions when cleaning up after cyclone or flood damage. Australian Government recovery guidance recommends protective clothing and equipment, including an N95 mask if available, hand washing and ventilating the home to help prevent mould. These are general recovery precautions, not a substitute for individual medical assessment. The Australian Government’s 11 March 2025 Cyclone Alfred recovery guidance provides further advice.
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- Use protective clothing and equipment during cleanup; the Australian Government guidance specifies an N95 mask if available.
- Wash hands and ventilate the home as part of efforts to limit mould.
- Seek medical advice if you experience health effects, particularly if you have a condition Queensland Health identifies as a risk factor.
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