The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed that Legionnaires’ Diseases is not contained within The Holmstad senior-care facility in Batavia, where at least 12 cases have been reported since Aug. 30.

Legionella pneumophila bacterium is the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease.

Health officials also said a definitive cause has not yet been identified and is alerting nearby residents of the potential dangers of Legionella bacteria.

According to an IDPH news release, two “community-based cases” of Legionnaires’ disease have been confirmed as of Sept. 13 in addition to the previously reported cases at Covenant Living at the Holmstad.

IDPH has taken additional samples of potential sources at the Covenant campus and within a one-mile radius in the area.

“While the definitive cause has not been identified, IDPH has recommended remediation steps of suspected sources,” the news release said. “Individuals with new respiratory symptoms should seek immediate medical care, and clinicians in the area should test patients with suspected pneumonia for Legionnaire’s disease.”

DPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike

IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said Legionnaires disease usually begins with a high fever (102 degrees F to 105 degrees F), chills, muscle aches, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms usually develop up to two weeks after exposure.

“As the epidemiological and environmental investigation of this Legionnaires’ disease cluster continues, it is important to release this information to ensure that so nearby residents are aware and seek treatment if they become symptomatic,” Ezike said.

If you have similar symptoms, officials say you should consult your doctor and report the symptoms to the Kane County Health Department. The Health Department’s 24-hour phone number is 630-208-3801.

People most at risk are over the age of 50, current and former smokers and those with weakened immune systems.

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection (pneumonia) that people can get by breathing in small droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria. It is not transmitted person-to-person.

Outbreaks are most commonly associated with buildings or structures that have complex water systems, such as hotels, hospitals, long-term care facilities and cruise ships.

The bacterium can become a health concern when it grows and spreads in human-made water systems, like hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and decorative fountains.

Most healthy people do not get Legionnaires’ disease after being exposed to Legionella bacteria. In 2018, Illinois reported 510 cases of Legionnaires’ disease statewide with 285 confirmed to date in 2019.

Additional information about Legionnaires’ disease can be found on the IDPH website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

SOURCE: IDPH news release

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