Air samples find Aspergillus mold once again at Seattle Children's Hospital
SEATTLE -- A toxic mold that has been blamed on seven deaths amid 14 infections at Seattle Children's Hospital since 2001 has been discovered once again circulating in operating rooms.
The hospital contacted the state Department of Health on May 12 to report they were investigating a potential malfunction in the ventilation system in the operating rooms at their main campus, according to a DOH spokesperson.
A statement by a Seattle Children's spokesperson says routine air tests "detected low levels of fungal spores in several (operating room)s and an equipment storage room. Daily testing has not detected any Aspergillus fumigatus spores, which is the species of Aspergillus associated with our previously confirmed 14 Aspergillus surgical site infections. Air testing did detect very low levels of Aspergillus versicolor spores, which is generally not associated with causing surgical site infections. "
There have been no reports of any infections with the current mold discovery, the DOH said.
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