Number of Legionnaires’ Cases at Holmstad in Batavia Now Up to 12
Covenant Living at the Holmstad has reported four additional confirmed tests of Legionella to the Kane County Health Department. This brings the total of confirmed cases to 12.
“Our community has been working very closely with both Kane County and the Illinois Department of Health in taking measures to mitigate any potential Legionella bacteria following the initial reporting on Aug. 30,” Covenant Living Executive Director Amanda Gosnell said in a media statement. “Since that time, we have been keeping all of our residents and employees informed, and on the recommendation from the state, maintain regular operations.”
Covenant Living officials said they have not yet found the source of the bacteria but are continuing to search for risk points.
In the meantime, they are employing a number of interventions, including adding microbial filters to the shower heads in the healthcare area, flushing all water fixtures biweekly in every apartment and common spaces on campus, and conducting thorough chemical and mechanical cleaning of the cooling tower.
The healthcare company also is taking an aggressive measure of potable water disinfection called hyperchlorination.
“In this process, we are deploying high doses of chlorine for a short period of time,” Gosnell said. “Chlorine is routinely used in almost all water systems to provide disinfection. Our water management consultant has recommended this approach as an effective precautionary measure.”
Gosnell thanked residents, families, and employees for their patience and understanding as officials work through this situation.
“We await more thorough results from the state testing and pray that a source can, if at all, be identified, either on or off our campus,” she said.
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4 More Cases of Legionnaires’ Disease Identified at Holmstad Retirement Community in Batavia
