CONCERN has been raised over the deaths of patients from a new strain of a hospital bug in Scotland.
Three patients in the same region, which is reported to be Fife, have died after contracting the new form of Clostridium difficile (C.diff).
However, officials are refusing to identify where the outbreak occurred.
Health Protection Scotland (HPS) said it would not comment on reports the patients were treated in Fife.
Jackie Baillie, health spokeswoman for Scottish Labour, said: "I am concerned to learn of these deaths. It raises infection control questions. I am also concerned the name of the health board is being withheld."
An inquiry into an outbreak of C.diff at the Vale of Leven Hospital in West Dunbartonshire, in which at least 28 people died, was launched more than three years ago. It is yet to report.
The deadline was extended until this autumn after a request from chairman Lord MacLean, who has been unwell. Ms Baillie said: "These new deaths make learning the lessons all the more important. I urge the SNP Government to ensure there are no further delays."
Rates of C.diff in hospitals have fallen since 2009, but experts say it is continually evolving and there are more diverse strains to deal with.
The new form behind the three deaths is known as ribotype 332 and HPS says it is the first time this has been linked to illness in the world.
Two of the patients were treated in the same hospital at the same time, but the other was looked after in a separate hospital 15 miles away later on. A probe into possible links is under way.
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