Chief Doctor at the hospital, Dr. Alfonso Cañete Díaz, (left) and Head of Internal Medicine, Dr Joaquín López Álvarez, during a press conference at the Principe de Asturias hospital in Alcalá de Henares - Photo EFE

 
A microscopic fungus has now been identified to have caused four deaths in a Madrid hospital.

The deaths at the Principe de Asturias Hospital in Alcalá de Henares, have been caused by ‘Aspergillus’, and those affected were all admitted with respiratory problems.

Reform works at the hospital which have been in progress since the start of last November are now thought to be at the centre of the outbreak, and have been suspended.

Investigations are continuing, but there have been 9 confirmed and 2 possible cases identified so far.

A specialist company is now sterilising the ventilation system of the hospital