Seattle Children’s Hospital reopened its operating rooms in July. (Sue Misao / The Herald)

Seattle Children’s Hospital reopened its operating rooms in July. (Sue Misao / The Herald)

Seattle Children’s Hospital fixes cause of mold infections

14 operating rooms had closed after Aspergillus mold sickened patients and resulted in one death.

  • By Wire Service
  • Thursday, August 15, 2019 1:49pm
  • Northwest

Associated Press

SEATTLE — The Seattle Children’s Hospital has avoided federal punishment after fixing the cause of mold infections in its patients.

The Seattle Times reported Wednesday that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced Monday it will not terminate its program agreement after the hospital upgraded its air-filtration system attributed to mold infections in patients earlier this year.

Health officials say 14 operating rooms were closed after Aspergillus mold sickened more than five patients, and resulted in the death of another.

Officials say about 1,000 surgeries were either postponed or moved to other facilities.

Officials say the hospital reopened operating rooms in July.

Federal investigators say the agreement was scheduled to be terminated Sept. 19, but an Aug. 7 investigation found the facility to be in compliance with state requirements.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Northwest

Gov. Bob Ferguson’s signature on the the 1,367 page document outlining the state’s 2025 operating budget. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Ferguson signs budget boosting Washington state spending and taxes

The governor used his veto pen sparingly, to the delight of Democrats and the disappointment of Republicans.

Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / Washington State Standard Labor advocates filled up the governor’s conference room on Monday and watched Gov. Bob Ferguson sign Senate Bill 5041, which extends unemployment insurance to striking workers.
Washington will pay unemployment benefits to striking workers

Labor advocates scored a win on Monday after Gov. Bob Ferguson signed… Continue reading

Aristide Economopoulos / NJ Monitor Guns are shown at Caso’s Gun-A-Rama in Jersey City, N.J.
Washingtonians will need state permit to buy guns under new law

The requirement will go beyond the state’s existing background checks.

Jerry Cornfield / Washington State Standard A new law in Washington will assure students are offered special education services until they are 22. State Sen. Adrian Cortes, D-Battle Ground, a special education teacher, was the sponsor. He spoke of the need for increased funding and support for public schools at a February rally of educators, parents and students at the Washington state Capitol.
Washington will offer special education to students longer under new law

A new law triggered by a lawsuit will ensure public school students… Continue reading

Seen here are the blue pens Gov. Bob Ferguson uses to sign bills. Companies and other interest groups are hoping he’ll opt for red veto ink on a range of tax bills. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
Tesla, Netflix, Philip Morris among those pushing WA governor for tax vetoes

Gov. Bob Ferguson is getting lots of requests to reject new taxes ahead of a Tuesday deadline for him to act on bills.

An apartment building under construction in Olympia, Washington in January 2025. (Photo by Bill Lucia/Washington State Standard)
Next stop for Washington housing: More construction near transit

Noticed apartment buildings cropping up next to bus and light rail stations?… Continue reading

Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / Washington State Standard Lt Gov. Denny Heck presiding over the Senate floor on April 27.
Washington tries to maintain B.C. ties amid Trump era tensions

Lt. Gov. Denny Heck and others traveled to Victoria to set up an interparliamentary exchange with British Columbia, and make clear they’re not aligned with the president’s policies or rhetoric.

Commuters from Whidbey Island disembark their vehicles from the ferry Tokitae on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018 in Mukilteo, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Bids for five new hybrid ferries come in high

It’s raising doubts about the state’s plans to construct up to five new hybrid-electric vessels with the $1.3 billion lawmakers have set aside.

A speed limiter device, like this one, will be required for repeat speeding offenders under a Washington law signed on May 12, 2025. The law doesn’t take effect until 2029. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)
Washington to rein in fast drivers with speed limiters

A new law set to take effect in 2029 will require repeat speeding offenders to install the devices in their vehicles.

Members of the Washington Public Employees Association march at the 2025 public service recognition event at the state Capitol on May 7, 2025. (Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)
Union urges Ferguson not to sign budget without their pay raises

Lawmakers say a union representing 5,300 Washington state workers and community college employees ratified a contract too late to be funded this year.

Attorney General Nick Brown (center) announces a lawsuit against the Trump administration in Seattle, Washington, on May 9, 2025, over its declaration of an energy emergency. (Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)
Trump energy emergency latest target for Washington AG

In a 15-state lawsuit filed in federal court in Seattle, states argue the president is abusing his authority to fast-track fossil fuel projects.

WA State Supreme Court upholds ban on high-capacity ammo magazine sales

Firearm magazines that hold more than 10 rounds will remain outlawed under a 2022 law that a gun shop challenged as unconstitutional.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.