BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - University of Alabama Hospital officials say two of eight patients who recently tested positive for an infectious bacterial disease have died. Officials said Tuesday that the patient who tested positive for the infection were in the hematology-oncology unit in the Women and Infant building. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, legionella is a form of pneumonia and bacteria that cause the illness typically travel by water. Hospital officials say the official causes of the patients' deaths haven't been determined. Officials say the hospital flushed the water system and installed special filters on shower and faucet heads. Chief Patient Safety and Clinical Effectiveness representative Loring Rue says the hospital has consulted with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and hospital officials haven't gotten reports of new infections.
UAB hospital bacterial infections turn deadly
