There is a quiet ache in the spaces where people place their trust in care — sterile corridors, comforting scrubs, and the steady beeps of lifesaving machines. Yet recently, in the heart of Sydney, that trust faced a troubling test. Health authorities are investigating a cluster of fungal infections at Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital’s transplant ward in inner Sydney, after two patients died and four others became seriously ill.
Between October and December 2025, six patients in the transplant unit developed infections linked to a common mould called Aspergillus — a fungus found widely in soil, dust and damp environments. While most people inhale spores daily without falling ill, those with compromised immune systems, such as organ transplant recipients, can be especially vulnerable to severe infection.
The Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) said construction work linked to the hospital’s $940 million redevelopment project may have contributed to the spread of airborne spores. As a precaution, transplant patients were relocated while the ward underwent deep cleaning, upgrades to air filtration systems, comprehensive air quality testing, and sealing of potential exposure points before its reopening in early February.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr. Kerry Chant convened expert panels to review the situation, and health officials confirmed that no elevated levels of Aspergillus were detected after the remedial work. Hospital authorities have expressed condolences to the families affected and said ongoing clinical investigations aim to clarify the factors behind the cluster. One family has referred the matter to the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission.
In straight reporting terms, health authorities are investigating the fungal infection cluster at RPA Hospital that affected six transplant patients late last year, leading to two deaths and four serious illnesses. The incident has prompted remediation work, temporary ward closure, enhanced infection control measures, and clinical reviews to ensure patient safety moving forward.
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Sources
ABC News Top Stories
SBS News
Economic Times
Daily Telegraph (Australia)
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