On September 2, 2015, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Adams County Health Department (ACHD) announced that four confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease, including one death, were reported in the city of Quincy. According to the IDPH, at this time there is no evidence that these illnesses are connected to the current Illinois Veterans’ Home-Quincy Legionnaires’ disease outbreak.
Legionella bacteria are found naturally in the environment. The bacteria grow well in warm water, much like the conditions created in cooling towers, indoor plumbing systems, hot tubs and spas, large air conditioner systems, and decorative fountains. An individual can become infected with Legionella by breathing in aerosolized contaminated water. The infection is not transmitted from person to person. Legionella outbreaks can be prevented by keeping the bacteria out of the water through proper equipment maintenance and testing. Most people who contract Legionnaires’ disease will experience a pneumonia.
According to the IDPH approximately 200 cases of Legionnaires’ disease are reported in Illinois each year, however, most are considered isolated cases, and are not part of an outbreak. IDPH Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D., stated “Based on our investigation thus far, we do not believe there is an increased risk of Legionnaires’ disease to the Quincy community. We continue to focus on the outbreak at the Illinois Veterans’ Home-Quincy and investigate possible sources of Legionella bacteria and make recommendations on how to eliminate the bacteria.”
Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuit Help
The Weinberg Law Firm 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.
