Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital pigeon poo infection outbreak as two patients treated
Two patients are being treated for a fungal infection commonly found in soil and pigeon droppings
SICK kids are being given medication to prevent a fungal infection linked to pigeon poo after an outbreak at Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
NHS bosses confirmed two patients are being treated after inhaling Cryptococcus - a fungus commonly found in droppings from the vermin.
Sick kids and adults are being given medication to prevent them from catching the infection and air purifiers installed in some wards to prevent it from spreading.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGCC) said that a 'likely source' was found in a non-public area away from wards and the droppings were removed.
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Whilst probing the fungi the hospital also discovered an issue with the sealant in shower rooms.
A 'specific group of patients' have been moved within the hospital 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.
"There have been no further cases since the control measures were put in place.
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"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."
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