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IN BRIEF
- Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital confirmed six patients were caught up in the fungal cluster.
- The cause of the infection was a common mould found in things like soil.
An unsettling outbreak of a fungal infection at a major hospital undergoing redevelopment has led to the tragic deaths of two individuals. Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA) has confirmed that six patients within its transplant unit were affected by the fungal cluster that emerged in late 2025.
The infection was identified as Aspergillus, a type of common mold typically found in soil, dust, and damp environments. While this mold generally poses little threat to the majority of people, it can be particularly harmful to those with compromised immune systems, as highlighted by a spokesman for the Sydney Local Health District.
“Fungal infections represent a known risk for patients who are significantly immunocompromised,” the spokesman elaborated, emphasizing that this includes individuals undergoing organ transplant procedures.
The outbreak has raised concerns about patient safety, especially in sensitive hospital areas like the transplant unit, during large-scale redevelopment projects. The incident underscores the critical need for stringent infection control measures in such environments, particularly where vulnerable patients are concerned.
“Fungal infections are a known risk for patients who are significantly immunocompromised, including patients undergoing organ transplant procedures,” the spokesman said.
“(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.”
When did the outbreak happen?
The outbreak occurred between October and December 2025.
The hospital is in the middle of a $940 million redevelopment. Health authorities indicated the construction works were the cause of the fungal infections.
Infectious disease clinicians investigated the outbreak, and safety measures were ramped up, including a deep clean of the ward, upgrades to air filtration systems, and comprehensive air testing.
Patients were moved out of the transplant ward while remedial efforts were performed.
At-risk patients were given antifungal medication after consultation with clinicians.
NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant convened an expert panel to advise on risk mitigation, and it declared the ward safe to reopen on 9 February.
“RPA is a leader in transplant surgery, with nearly 60 years of experience performing kidney transplants and 40 years in liver transplants,” the district spokesman said.
“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.”
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