IN BRIEF
- Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital confirmed six patients were trapped in the fungal cluster.
- The cause of the infection was a common fungus found in the soil, among other things.
Two people have died after an outbreak of a fungal infection at a public hospital linked to a major redevelopment.
The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA) in Sydney confirmed in late 2025 that six patients in the transplant department had ended up in the fungal cluster.
The cause of the infection was Aspergillus – a common fungus found in soil, dust and damp environments.
Aspergillus is unlikely to make people sick, but it can be especially harmful to certain people with weakened immune systems, a spokesperson for the Sydney Local Health District said.
“Fungal infections are a known risk for patients with significant immunocompromise, including patients undergoing organ transplants,” the spokesperson said.
“(The district) extends its deepest condolences to the families of the patients who died at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and recognizes the impact on all patients and families.”
When did the outbreak occur?
The outbreak occurred between October and December 2025.
The hospital is in the midst of a $940 million redevelopment. Health authorities indicated that construction work was the cause of the fungal infections.
Infectious disease physicians investigated the outbreak and safety measures were increased, including deep cleaning of the unit, upgrades to air filtration systems and extensive air testing.
Patients were removed from the transplant unit while repairs were carried out.
Patients at risk were given antifungal medications after consultation with doctors.
NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant convened an expert panel to advise on risk mitigation and declared the department could safely 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 spokesperson said.
“We assure patients and the community that RPA Hospital remains a safe place for care, and we have robust policies and procedures in place to help prevent further fungal infections.”
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