Aspergillus Mold Shuts Down Parts Of Seattle Children's Hospital

SEATTLE, WA — A common but potentially dangerous form of mold was found recently in parts of Seattle Children's Hospital, prompting the closure of operating rooms at the hospital.

A strain of Aspergillus mold was found last weekend, according to the hospital. The mold is typically dangerous for people with allergies or who have a respiratory illness or chronic condition. People with cystic fibrosis or asthma, for example, can develop a condition called aspergillosis.

"Though we believe the risk to our patients is very low, we will be contacting our surgical patients who may have been exposed," Seattle Children's spokeswoman Lindsay Kurs said in a statement.

Seattle Children's is sending patients who were scheduled for surgery to other facilities, including the Seattle Children's Bellevue campus, Harborview Medical Center and Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma.

"We are working with an outside industrial hygienist to investigate the source of the Aspergillus and implement mitigation measures. We have also reported the situation to the Washington State Department of Health," Kurs continued.

Seattle Children's patients with concerns can contact the hospital's family relations team at 206-987-2550.

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