Three dead and four suffering long-term effects after fungal infection outbreak at NSW hospital
There has been a deadly fungal infection outbreak at a Sydney public hospital, with warnings that other hospitals could be affected.
Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital confirmed six patients in its transplant unit were caught up in the cluster in late 2025.
It said two cases were fatal and another four became ill, however, it has since been reported a third patient had died.
The cause of the infection was Aspergillus, a common mould found in things like soil, dust and damp environments.
People are unlikely to become unwell from Aspergillus, but it can be particularly damaging for certain individuals with weakened immune systems, a Sydney Local Health District spokesman said.
‘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.’
The outbreak occurred between October and December 2025. The hospital is undergoing a $940million redevelopment and the spores are believed to have been released during construction works.
Two patients died as a result of the outbreak at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Examples of the mould found at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Safety measures were ramped up, including a deep clean of the ward, upgrades to air-filtration systems and comprehensive air testing after infectious disease clinicians investigated the outbreak
Patients were moved out of the transplant ward while the remedial efforts were performed.
At-risk patients were given antifungal medication after consultation with clinicians.
The outbreak has been contained, but health authorities are aware similar mould has been found at other hospitals in NSW, requiring further measures, 7News reported.
NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant convened an expert panel to advise on risk mitigation and it declared the ward safe to reopen on February 9.
‘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.’
