A HOSPITAL ward in Glasgow has been closed to new patients after an abnormally high rate of a potentially fatal respiratory bug.
The ward, at Lightburn Hospital in Shettleston, has been closed after three patients tested positive for Group A streptococcal (GAS) infection, a bacteria typically found in the throat or skin.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said all three had mild symptoms and were responding well to treatment.
A fourth case was detected in test results from a patient who died during the last four weeks, who was being treated for a serious underlying health condition.
All patients have been swabbed and no additional cases have been found.
Most GAS infections are mild – such as Strep throat – but occasionally the bacteria can cause serious or life-threatening diseases.
The health board said appropriate infection control procedures are in place.
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