Two people have died after testing positive for Legionnaire's disease at Birmingham AL hospital

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Two of eight patients testing positive for legionella bacteria on a hematology/oncology unit at UAB Hospital have died.

"Two patients who were on the unit prior to the remediation of the water system and tested positive for legionella, have died," said Dr. Loring Rue, Chief Patient Safety and Clinical Effectiveness Officer. "The causes of their deaths have not been determined. We only know that in addition to their original illness the patients tested positive for legionella."

Rue said UAB Hospital has lifted most of the water restrictions in a limited area of the hospital late Saturday.


[link to blog.al.com]