On September 1, 2015, the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that seven residents at the Illinois Veterans’ Home-Quincy passed away after being diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. The seven residents, all of whom had underlying medical conditions, were among 39 individuals who had been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease to date. Test results are pending for other residents.
In an IDPH update, Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D., indicated that the number of outbreak cases are likely to increase stating, “Unfortunately, we expect to see additional cases and possibly additional deaths because the incubation period for Legionnaires’ disease can be up to two weeks, and because patients with underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of more severe illness.”
The IDPH also reported that three U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epidemic Intelligence Service Officers and one environmental health specialist were sent to the Illinois Veterans’ Home – Quincy to work with the IDVA and IDPH to investigate the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak. The CDC will also provide laboratory support from its Atlanta, Georgia headquarters.
Additionally, public health officials will work closely with nursing home staff to implement control measures at the home in order to prevent additional residents from being infected with Legionella bacteria.
To learn more about Legionnaires’ disease please see About Legionella.
Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuit Help
Attorney Eric Weinberg is currently assisting those injured by infections related to environmental contamination, including Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks. For a free Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit evaluation, contact our law firm toll free at 1-877-934-6274. You can also contact our lawyers by submitting the online “Free Legal Evaluation Form” found on this page.
