Overview
- Sydney Local Health District says six transplant patients were infected between October and December, with two deaths and four serious illnesses.
- A preliminary assessment found invasive fungal infection was a causative factor in the two deaths, with clinical investigations still underway.
- Environmental testing made public through parliament showed extensive Aspergillus/Penicillium linked to water damage on at least four floors, including high spore counts in the auditorium, ambulance drop-off and early pregnancy service.
- The transplant ward was deep cleaned, air filtration upgraded and air testing completed; no elevated Aspergillus was detected and an expert panel led by the NSW Chief Health Officer cleared it to reopen on February 9.
- Officials reject opposition claims of a cover-up and dispute media reports of a third cluster death, saying a separate fatality involved a different fungus as reviews probe any role of nearby construction.