Two patients have died after contracting a fungal infection caused by pigeon droppings at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, Scotland, according to an article on the BBC website.
One infected patient died, but from an unrelated cause, according to hospital officials. Another infected patient has also died but the factors contributing to the death are still being investigated.
A small number of vulnerable pediatric and adult patients are receiving medication to protect them against the airborne infection, which is a Cryptococcus species.
A non-public room in the hospital is thought to contain machinery, was identified as a likely source. The hospital has taken steps to keep the pigeons from the room — and ultimately from the hospital's ventilation system.
How Curated Art Elevates Senior Care Spaces
The CDC's Guide to Hand Hygiene in Healthcare
Dana-Farber, BIDMC Launch Construction of Dedicated Adult Cancer Hospital
5 Components of an Integrated Safety Culture in Healthcare
NYC Opens Therapeutic Housing Unit for Medically Vulnerable Detainees