Major hospital investigates deadly fungus cluster after two transplant patients die, four left seriously ill
Two people have died and four more have become seriously ill after a mushroom cluster linked to a construction site at one of Sydney’s largest hospitals.
An investigation has been launched into a group of patients being treated for fungal infections in the transplant unit at the Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital in Camperdown.
Two out of six patients treated between October and December last year died due to infection.
A hospital spokesman said Sydney Local Health District offered its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased patients and “recognised the impact on all patients and families”.
A common mold called Aspergillus was detected in soil, plants and moist environments as the cause of the infections.
Construction work and digging can disrupt mold deposits and spread airborne spores.
Although most species of Aspergillus are harmless, a few can cause serious harm when the spores are inhaled. Those at highest risk of contracting spores include people with lung disease, asthma, and weakened immune systems.
The health district launched an investigation after an unexpected increase in the number of fungal infections was detected among patients receiving organ transplants at the hospital.
“Even before the full extent of the cluster was known, numerous actions were taken as quickly as possible, starting with an investigation by infectious diseases clinicians,” the spokesperson said.
“Aspergillus can occur in many environments, which may include construction sites.”
After the recovery team performed a thorough cleaning, the patients kept in the transfer unit were removed and transferred to another ward.
Air quality was tested by making improvements to the air filtration system.
After remedial work was completed, no elevated Aspergillus levels were noted in the transplant ward.
Clinicians warned ward patients and vulnerable outpatients about the infected cluster, but none of those contacted reported any infectious symptoms.
Antifungal medications were also taken by some patients as a precaution.
Leading an advisory panel, NSW chief health officer Dr. Kerry Chant said it was safe for the war to resume earlier this month.
The Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital began a $940 million redevelopment in 2023, with construction continuing until 2029. The hospital’s transplant ward is located near the works.
A hospital spokesman said NSW Health had indicated they would work with contractors to implement any findings from the investigation.
