Local

Mold that killed 1, infected 5 others, back at Seattle Children's; 1 confirmed case

SEATTLE — Aspergillus, the same mold that killed one patient and infected five others at Seattle Children's hospital, has once again closed operating rooms there, the hospital confirmed Monday.

Earlier Monday, the hospital said it was investigating two new potential Aspergillus surgical site infections.

Hospital officials confirmed Monday evening one Aspergillus surgical site infection and are investigating one other potential infection.

>>Seattle Children's Hospital kept info about deadly mold under wraps, emails show

The mold closed all 14 of the hospital's main operating rooms in May. At that time, surgeries were halted for six weeks.

Seattle Children's said while Aspergillus is a common mold that's often present in the air we breathe, in some cases, it can cause complications for surgical patients.

>>Seattle Children's Hospital closes all main operating rooms to mitigate mold issue

Seattle Children's spokeswoman Kathryn Mueller said in a news release Monday that the hospital "was currently experiencing air quality issues" in some of its operating rooms and that 11 rooms were currently closed at its main campus.

Children's said routine air tests on Nov. 10 showed the presence of Aspergillus was in the air of three operating rooms and two procedural areas. Those rooms have been closed.

Currently, surgeries will be performed in three rooms that have advanced filtration systems.  All operating rooms will be closed sometime this week so the air system can be investigated and actions can be taken to fix the problem.

>>Seattle Children's Hospital reopening operating rooms after 1 dead, 5 more infected by mold

"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," the hospital said in a statement.

Patients and families with questions can contact the Seattle Children's Patient and Family Relations team at 206-987-2550 or family.feedback@seattlechildrens.org.