Seattle Children's Closes All Operating Rooms After Mold Detected

SEATTLE, WA — All main operating rooms at Seattle Children's will close Wednesday after weekend air tests detected Aspergillus in five hospital rooms. Aspergillus is a common but potentially dangerous form of mold for those with respiratory illnesses, chronic conditions, or undergoing surgery.

Three patients developed infections linked to the mold last year, including one who later died. Three more patients were identified earlier this year, prompting the closure of several operating rooms and repairs to the hospital's air filtration systems. Seattle Children's confirmed an additional Aspergillus surgical site infection this week and continue to investigate a possible second new case.

All operating rooms will be closed for at least five days while maintenance crews inspect and sanitize the air handling unit, then perform a deep clean on all rooms. After the work is complete, the hospital will perform daily air tests to confirm the problem was corrected.

"We remain committed to taking the necessary steps to resolve this air quality issue and are deeply sorry for the impact this closure will have on our patients and families," the hospital said in a statement.

Seattle Children's said surgeons will utilize alternate rooms in the hospital for emergency procedures during the closure. Non-emergency procedures may be postponed or sent to other hospitals.

Patients and families with questions are encouraged to contact the hospital at 206-987-2550 or family.feedback@seattlechildrens.org.