Major hospital investigates deadly fungus cluster after two transplant patients die, four left seriously ill

Two people have died and four more have fallen seriously ill as a result of a fungus cluster, which has been linked to a construction site at one of Sydney’s largest hospitals.

An investigation has been launched into a cluster of patients who received treatment for fungal infections at the transplant unit of Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital in Camperdown.

Two of the six patients treated between October and December last year have died with the infection.

A hospital spokesman said the Sydney Local Health District extended its deepest condolences to the families of the patients who died and “acknowledges the impact on all patients and families.”

A common mould found in soil, plants and damp environments called Aspergillus has been identified as the cause of the infections.

Construction work and digging can disturb deposits of the mould and spread airborne spores.

While most strains of Aspergillus can be harmless, a few can cause serious harm when the spores are inhaled. Those most at risk of the spores include people with lung disease, asthma, and compromised immune systems.

The health district has launched an investigation after an unexpected increase in the number of fungal infections was discovered among the hospital’s transplant patients.

“Even before the full extent of the cluster was known, multiple actions were undertaken as quickly as possible, beginning with an investigation by infectious diseases clinicians,” the spokesman said.

“Aspergillus can occur in many environments, which could include construction sites.”

Patients housed in the transplant unit were removed and relocated to another ward as a remediation team performed a deep clean.

Upgrades were made to the air filtration system, and the air quality was tested.

After remedial works were completed, no elevated levels of Aspergillus in the transplant ward were recorded.

Clinicians alerted patients on the ward and vulnerable outpatients to the infected cluster, though none who were contacted have reported any infectious symptoms.

Antifungal medications have also been taken by some patients as a precautionary measure.

NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant, who leads an advisory panel, deemed the war was safe to reopen earlier this month.

The Royal Prince Alfred’s (RPA) Hospital began a $940 million redevelopment in 2023, with construction continuing until 2029. The hospital’s transplant ward is in proximity to the works.

NSW Health have stated they will work with the contractors to implement any findings from the investigation, the hospitals spokesman said.