Hospital patients die after contracting pigeon droppings-linked infection, prompting investigation

An investigation has been launched following the deaths of two people who contracted a fungal infection linked to pigeon droppings at a hospital in Glasgow.

The infection is caused by inhaling the fungus Cryptococcus, primarily found in soil and pigeon droppings.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGCC) began a probe into the death of one patient at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital but the health board said the second patient affected – who was elderly – died of an unrelated matter.

A non-public area in the hospital, away from the wards, was identified as a likely source and the droppings were removed. Control measures have been put in place.

NHSGCC said a small number of vulnerable child and adult patients are receiving medication to prevent potential infection.

The health board has also installed portable HEPA filter units in specific areas as a precaution.

Teresa Inkster, NHSGCC lead consultant for infection control, said: “Cryptococcus lives in the environment throughout the world. It rarely causes infection in humans.

“People can become infected with it after breathing in the microscopic fungi, although most people who are exposed to it never get sick from it.”

During the investigation, a separate issue arose with the sealant in some of the shower rooms.

Repairs are underway and the maintenance team is working to fix the issue as quickly as possible.

As a further precaution, a specific group of patients are being moved within the hospital due to their clinical diagnosis and ongoing treatment, the health board said.

Ms Inkster added: “There have been no further cases since the control measures were put in place.

“In the meantime, we are continuing to monitor the air quality and these results are being analysed.

“It remains our priority to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.”

Professor Hugh Pennington, of Aberdeen University, told the BBC that he was surprised to learn of the infection among hospital patients. He said: “It is very unusual in the UK.

“It is quite common in other parts of the world, particularly in tropical parts and in the US and in countries like that, where they have more problems with this particular kind of fungus.”

Professor Pennington warned that people with weak immune systems are most at risk.

He said: “When it gets into the blood stream a lot of people have fairly straightforward infections and it settles in the lungs but the big problem with this is that it can cause meningitis and, as we know, meningitis can be a very serious infection.”

Additional reporting by PA