A hospital in Pittsburgh is working fast to identify the source of a mold that may have killed three of its transplant patients.
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) first suspected the link between the molds and the deaths during the early days of September when they discovered the mold proliferation in one of its intensive care units for cardiothoracic patients in Presbyterian. So far, two patients have already died in the same hospital room where the molds have been found, although these patients stayed at different periods. Another patient who didn't stay in the unit but in the other campus of the hospital called Montefiore also died in what could be a "fungal infection." Because of the mold's discovery, the cardiothoracic ICU is currently shut down, and at least 15 patients were already moved. However, one patient who just received a lung transplant is said to be in a "guarded" condition.
According to its latest news update in its blog, the kind of mold that developed in the hospital is common. Other news reports cite that it's an indoor mold. Mold is a fungus that can thrive in many different types of surfaces as long as there's a high level of moisture or dampness. It can be usually caused by the presence of too much water due to leaking pipes or rainwater, says Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The hospital has already obtained different samples from surface, air, and water, and they are now waiting for results.
Although molds must be avoided and should be handled by professional removal experts, indoor molds usually don't cause serious harm to the general population. However, patients with an already compromised immune systems like transplant patients can develop life-threatening fungal infections.
To combat with the possible infection, the hospital is treating their susceptible patients with anti-fungal drugs even if they are not showing any symptom. The hospital also stresses its commitment in ensuring the safety of its patients, visitors, and health care professionals.
For the latest updates on the mold, visit the hospital's blog.
