Seattle Children's Finds More Mold, Closes 5 Hospital Rooms

SEATTLE, WA — Seattle Children's has closed five hospital rooms after Aspergillus mold was detected in the air again over the weekend. Aspergillus is a common mold, often found in the air, but its presence can cause complications for patients undergoing surgery. Three Seattle Children's patients developed infections linked to the mold last year, including one who later died.

Three more patients were identified earlier this year, leading to an extended closure of several operating rooms and an overhaul of the hospital's air filtration systems. According to Seattle Children's, the hospital is now investigating two new potential surgical site infections.

Hospital officials said the latest discovery has prompted the closure of three operating rooms and two procedural areas while they investigate the air system and work to correct the issue. The hospital plans to close all operating rooms sometime this week for an undetermined amount of time. Some scheduled surgeries may be postponed to reassigned to other hospitals.

In a statement Monday, the hospital apologized for the ongoing problems on their main campus.

"We are deeply sorry for the impact the air quality issues in our operating rooms continue to have on our patients and families. Seattle Children's remains committed to doing what's right to keep our patients safe."

Patients and families with questions are asked to contact the hospital's Patient and Family Relations team at 206-987-2550 or family.feedback@seattlechildrens.org.