Twenty‑four years ago photojournalist Gilbert Zermeño lost his mother and sister to hantavirus and nearly died himself after being exposed while cleaning their Texas home.
Zermeño told CBS News’ The Daily Report that after he helped clean his relatives’ house he was exposed to rodent droppings and developed flu‑like symptoms. Early tests came back negative, and an initial hospital visit resulted in him being sent home. His mother and sister were misdiagnosed and their deaths were initially attributed to sepsis; only later did doctors determine hantavirus was the cause.
When Zermeño fell ill he returned to the hospital, where his condition worsened. He described a period of extreme illness in which he feared he might not survive and said he reached a point of preparing himself spiritually. With the support of family members — including a sister‑in‑law who brought medical information to his doctors — Zermeño received more persistent testing and care. He recovered and was eventually able to see his daughter again.
Zermeño, who worked as a photojournalist in Phoenix, has since survived both hantavirus and COVID‑19. Speaking about recent news and social media reaction, he urged people not to panic when they hear the word “virus.” He said hantavirus is different from COVID‑19: it is rarer, has a different pattern of spread, and does not transmit as easily person‑to‑person.
Key points from Zermeño’s account:
– Exposure: Hantavirus infections are typically linked to inhaling dust contaminated with rodent urine, droppings, or nesting materials. Zermeño traces his infection to cleaning his mother and sister’s house after their deaths.
– Diagnosis challenges: Early testing may be negative and clinicians can miss hantavirus if it is not suspected. Zermeño credits his family advocates for pushing clinicians to keep testing and pursue the right diagnosis.
– Severity and recovery: Hantavirus can cause severe illness that requires hospitalization and intensive care. Zermeño spent time in and out of the hospital before recovering.
– Public advice: Zermeño encouraged people to research reputable medical sources, follow the guidance of health professionals, and have a plan if they believe they’ve been exposed. He emphasized that, while hantavirus can be serious, its pattern of spread and risk to the general public is very different from COVID‑19.
Zermeño’s story is a reminder that rare diseases can be devastating for affected families and that careful diagnosis, informed advocacy, and timely medical care can make a critical difference.