Two New Legionnaire’s Disease Cases at Illinois Veterans Home

Illinois Department of Public Health officials report two lab confirmed cases of Legionnaire’s Disease among Illinois Veterans Home residents in Quincy.
Officials say both residents are doing well. After learning of the cases, Veterans Home staff removed faucets from the resident rooms and collected water samples and mixing valves to analyze for the presence of Legionella bacteria. Staff also increased water temperatures and flushed fixtures to provide an enhanced level of protection for residents. An investigation is underway to identify where the residents may have acquired the bacteria. Legionella bacteria does occur naturally in the environment and the exact source is rarely identified.