A WARD at the Beatson Cancer Centre has closed to new admissions after two patients died after developing a respiratory virus.

Seven people - including two staff - have tested positive with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

One other patient has been transferred to intensive care at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital but is said to be stable.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said two patients had died earlier this week and both had other, underlying health issues.

The second patient who died had been discharged from the Beatson and was later re-admitted to a hospital outwith Glasgow when their condition deteriorated.

Two further patients are not giving any cause for concern and two members of staff are recovering at home.

RSV is a viral illness which normally resembles a cold and causes lung and airway infections in infants and young children.

Most infants have had this infection by the age of two although it can re-occur.

In young children and ?adults with compromised immune systems the illness can be more severe and cause pneumonia.

Dr Teresa Inkster, Consultant Microbiologist and Infection Control Doctor, NHSGGC, said: “Initially four patients tested positive for RSV, one was community acquired and the other three were healthcare acquired, and appropriate infection control measures were put in place including closing the ward to new admissions.

“We also tested the other patients in the ward and a further three patients tested positive.

“Sadly two patients have passed away this week and our thoughts and sympathies are with both their families at this difficult time.

“One of the patients who died had significant underlying health issues. This patient was extremely unwell as a result of these significant health issues and RSV was not the cause of their death.

“The second patient who died had been discharged from the BWoSCC after being assessed as clinically fit. However, this patient’s condition subsequently deteriorated and they were admitted to a hospital outwith the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area where they sadly passed away.

“A third patient is giving cause for concern and has been transferred to the intensive care unit at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, however, the patient is stable.

“Two patients remain in the ward who have tested positive but are not giving any cause for concern as a result of the RSV.

“The other two patients have already been discharged home.

“We also tested staff of which two tested positive and are at home recovering.”

Whilst more common in young children it can occur in people of all ages. It is spread by tiny droplets and sneezing or by touching surfaces with the virus on it.

The best way to control is to use tissues when coughing and sneezing and washing hands regularly.