Harborview patients test positive for mucormycosis

Harborview Medical Center has currently identified six patients with a rare fungal infection called mucormycosis starting in mid-June, with the most recent case identified in November.

Three of the patients remain hospitalized at Harborview and are receiving antifungal medication and other treatment as needed. 

Mucormycosis is a drug-resistant fungal infection that is not transmitted person-to-person and is reported worldwide. Healthy people typically do not need to worry about mucormycosis infection. Some situations that increase risk include diabetes, people who are immunocompromised, organ transplants, and skin injury due to surgery, burns, or wounds. It poses a low risk to other patients, and a very low risk to healthcare personnel and visitors. 

“Public Health has been working with Harborview and the CDC to investigate the increase in cases of mucormycosis. While we may never identify the source, Harborview is taking recommended infection control precautions including enhanced cleaning to help reduce the risk of additional cases,” said Dr. Sandra J. Valenciano, Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County.

Harborview Medical Center providers and staff are taking great care to ensure a safe hospital environment for all our patients. 

For more information, visit the CDC Mucormycosis website.    

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