Third Patient Dies in Sydney Hospital Fungal Outbreak Linked to Construction
A deadly fungal infection outbreak at a major Sydney public hospital has now claimed three lives, with health authorities warning that other hospitals across New South Wales could potentially be affected. The outbreak occurred at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital between October and December 2025, primarily impacting patients in the transplant unit.
Construction Work Suspected as Source of Contamination
The hospital, which is currently undergoing a substantial $940 million redevelopment project, believes construction activities released Aspergillus spores into the environment. Aspergillus is a common mould typically found in soil, dust, and damp conditions. While generally harmless to healthy individuals, it poses severe risks to those with compromised immune systems.
Six transplant patients were infected during the outbreak period, with three fatalities confirmed. Initially, the hospital reported two deaths and four illnesses, but a third patient has since died from complications related to the infection.
Immediate Response and Containment Measures
Following identification of the outbreak, infectious disease clinicians launched a comprehensive investigation that prompted immediate safety measures:
- Complete deep cleaning of the affected transplant ward
- Significant upgrades to air-filtration systems throughout the unit
- Extensive air quality testing to monitor spore levels
- Relocation of all patients from the transplant ward during remediation
- Prophylactic antifungal medication for at-risk patients after clinical consultation
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr. Kerry Chant convened an expert panel to assess risks and develop mitigation strategies. The panel declared the ward safe for reopening on February 9, 2026, following thorough decontamination procedures.
Broader Concerns Across NSW Hospitals
While the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital outbreak has been contained, health authorities have identified similar Aspergillus mould presence at other hospitals across New South Wales. This discovery has prompted additional precautionary measures and heightened surveillance throughout the state's healthcare facilities.
A Sydney Local Health District spokesperson emphasized: 'Fungal infections are a known risk for patients who are significantly immunocompromised, including patients undergoing organ transplant procedures. The district extends its deepest condolences to the families of the patients who died at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and acknowledges the impact on all patients and families.'
Hospital Reassures Public About Safety Protocols
Despite the tragic outbreak, hospital authorities maintain that Royal Prince Alfred remains a safe facility for patient care. The hospital highlighted its extensive transplant experience, with nearly six decades of kidney transplant procedures and forty years of liver transplant operations.
The spokesperson added: 'We reassure patients and the community that RPA Hospital continues to be a safe place for care and we have put in place robust policies and procedures to help prevent any further fungal infections.'
The incident has prompted a statewide review of infection control protocols in hospitals undergoing construction or renovation, with particular attention to protecting vulnerable patient populations from environmental contaminants.
