No Link Between Fungal Infections and Shands AGH

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No Link Between Fungal Infections and Shands AGH

First Coast News - ville,FL*

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First Coast News

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?

storyid=94229

GAINESVILLE, FL -- Medical experts from Shands AGH and the

University of Florida have found no link between fungal infections

and the hospital.

Since April, five cancer patients in the oncology unit of the

hospital have been infected with four different fungal infections.

During a press conference Tuesday, Shands Healthcare CEO Tim

Goldfarb said the assessment team has ruled out certain potential

causes of the infections.

" Based on the environmental and epidemiological studies, these

patients' fungal infections were not linked to the building. "

He also said the findings do not link the infections to an

individual, equipment or supplies.

Dr. Lennox Archibald, a University of Florida epidemiologist, said

the fungi are commonly found in our every day environment,

especially hot, humid climates like Florida.

As a precaution, six other immune deficient patients were

transferred from Shands AGH to Shands at the University of Florida.

The patients have no signs of the illness and have been discharged.

Goldfarb now says an external review will be conducted.

" We are confident with the findings but there is still work to be

done. "