Sydney Hospital Mould Outbreak Claims Two Lives and Leaves Four Seriously Ill
Two individuals have tragically died, and four others are in a serious condition following a cluster of fungal infections at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney. The infections, which occurred between October and December 2025, were caused by Aspergillus mould and specifically affected patients in the hospital's transplant unit.
Investigation Points to Construction as Potential Source
Health authorities are currently investigating the outbreak, with a hospital spokesperson indicating that nearby construction sites may be a key factor. These sites are part of a substantial A$940 million redevelopment project, and construction activities can disturb soil, releasing high numbers of Aspergillus spores into the air. This increases the risk of infection clusters, particularly in hospital environments where patients have compromised immune systems.
Aspergillus mould is generally harmless to healthy people but poses a severe threat to those with weakened immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients. It can lead to aspergillosis, a serious respiratory disease. While such outbreaks are rare in hospitals due to advanced air filtration systems, construction work can bypass these protections, allowing spores to infiltrate sensitive areas.
Risks and Resistance in Fungal Infections
Some strains of Aspergillus are resistant to antifungal treatments, complicating medical responses and heightening the danger in healthcare settings. This outbreak underscores the critical need for stringent infection control measures during hospital renovations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The investigation continues as officials work to contain the situation and ensure patient safety, highlighting ongoing challenges in managing environmental risks in medical facilities.
