UPMC says new mold discovery not dangerous to patients

Workers have discovered more mold at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh, though officials say the mold is not related to recent fungal infections tied to mold at the hospital and doesn't endanger employees or patients.

According to WTAE, the mold was discovered in a wall in the medical intensive care unit, which workers opened while cleaning up after a clogged drain caused flooding in the ICU. Some patients were removed from the affected area.

Wendy Zellner, a UPMC spokeswoman, told WTAE that the mold is "common for old buildings" and that the "area is and has been safe for staff and patients at all times, and we have made all appropriate reports to state regulators."

Earlier this year, news broke that four UPMC transplant patients contracted fungal infections, possibly tied to mold found in the hospital. Three of those patients have died.

UPMC also temporarily closed its organ transplant program for about a week because of the mold outbreak.

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