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NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayJuly 30, 2026Hillsborough

New CDC Study Highlights Risks of Invasive Mold Infections

A new CDC study indicates that invasive mold infections may be more common than previously recognized, with researchers identifying 450 cases in Atlanta-area hospitals over a five-year period. The findings suggest that hospital administrators should be aware of these infection rates, particularly among patients with weakened immune systems.

public healthCDCmold infectionhospitalsclimate change
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Why It Matters

The study provides a new benchmark for hospital administrators to assess local infection rates, as there is currently no federal requirement for doctors to report these illnesses.

Key Facts

  • Researchers identified approximately 450 cases of invasive mold disease in Atlanta-area hospitals between 2020 and 2024.
  • Approximately one-third of the patients identified in the study died during their hospital stay.
  • Hospitals can expect an average of 3 to 5 cases of invasive mold disease per year for every 100 inpatient beds.
  • There is currently no government requirement for doctors to report invasive mold illnesses.
  • Invasive mold disease is primarily contracted by inhaling spores, though it can also enter through wounds or contaminated medical equipment.
  • The study found higher infection rates at larger academic hospitals compared to other facilities.
  • Patients with weakened immune systems, including cancer patients and those recovering from COVID-19, are at the highest risk.
  • Previous CDC estimates suggested over 15,000 hospitalizations annually could be linked to invasive mold disease.
  • Researchers noted that mold exposure risks may increase due to climate-related natural disasters like hurricanes and floods.

Who's Mentioned

organizationCenters for Disease Control and Prevention“The federal agency that published the study.”personDr. Jeremy Gold“Senior author of the CDC study.”