Deadly Fungus Outbreak Hits Sydney Hospital Transplant Ward
A serious fungal outbreak at one of Sydney’s largest hospitals has left two patients dead and four others seriously ill, raising urgent questions about hospital safety during construction. At the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown, six transplant patients were infected with Aspergillus fungus between October and December last year. For most people, this common mould is harmless, found in soil, dust and damp areas. But for patients with weakened immune systems, like those recovering from organ transplants, inhaling these spores can be deadly.
Health authorities say construction work at the hospital may have played a role in disturbing the mould, making it airborne and increasing the risk of infection. The hospital’s $940 million redevelopment, scheduled to finish in 2029, placed the transplant ward close to active construction zones. Experts point out that transplant patients are especially vulnerable because medications suppress their immune systems to protect new organs, leaving them unable to fight off infections like Aspergillus.
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Once the cluster was identified, the hospital acted swiftly. Patients at risk were moved, the affected ward was deeply cleaned, air filtration systems were upgraded and thorough testing confirmed that Aspergillus levels returned to safe levels. Advisory panels have since approved the ward to reopen. Despite these measures, families of the deceased patients have referred the cases to the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission, seeking further investigation.
This outbreak is part of a broader concern in healthcare settings where immunocompromised patients are at risk. Similar incidents have occurred in other Australian hospitals, highlighting how construction, dust and environmental exposure can create hidden dangers. For patients awaiting transplants, or undergoing complex treatments, the stakes are high—an infection like this can escalate quickly, with subtle symptoms such as fever or lung growths masking a potentially lethal fungus.
Authorities continue to stress that the hospital has addressed the immediate risk and that ongoing vigilance is in place. Still, the incident raises critical questions about the safeguards for vulnerable patients in hospitals undergoing major construction. It also underscores the importance of rapid detection and coordinated response when unusual infection clusters appear.
For viewers with loved ones in hospitals, or anyone concerned about fungal infections, understanding the risks and precautions is vital. Stay informed about developments from Sydney Local Health District and follow hospital advisories. Continue watching for updates as health authorities investigate the full circumstances of this deadly outbreak.
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