* Back in 2015, more than 50 residents of Quincy’s Illinois Veterans Home came down with Legionnaires’ Disease and nine veterans died.
The state spent almost $5 million upgrading the home’s water treatment system in 2016. But not long after that unveiling, two more veterans contracted the disease.
And here we go again…
Two cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been confirmed at the Illinois Veterans Home Wednesday morning.
David MacDonna, a Public Information Officer with the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs says Legionella tests came back positive for two residents.
One of those residents is now deceased, however, the Illinois Veterans Home says the individual had a complex medical issue aside from Legionnaires’.
The second individual is being treated for the disease.
“We work continuously with the Adams County Health Department to identify any potential sources. We’ve done an extensive renovation, including a brand new water treatment plant to provide higher quality water,” said MacDonna.
- Ravenswood Right Winger - Wednesday, Oct 18, 17 @ 4:20 pm:
awful.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 18, 17 @ 4:49 pm:
–Both MacDonna and Jerrod Welch with the Adams County Health Department stress the confirmation of the disease is not reason for heightened concern in the surrounding community.–
Just those at the home.
So what’s going on? Until health authorities can pin this down, are there options for relocating residents to nearby nursing homes?
Some executive branch leadership is in order here. Don’t just “do your jobs.” Go the full nine yards to protect the health of these folks in your care.
- Amalia - Wednesday, Oct 18, 17 @ 5:08 pm:
so sad and difficult.
- FormerParatrooper - Wednesday, Oct 18, 17 @ 5:51 pm:
Gov? State Legislators? What are you going to do? Apparently the problem was not fixed before. How about moving the residents to another location, inspect all of the plumbing system again. Look for where shortcuts may have been taken by the contractor(s) and get it done right. If done right, start looking where the disease is still surviving.
- illini - Wednesday, Oct 18, 17 @ 6:53 pm:
Good Lord. A former neighbor ( and friend ) has been in the Quincy facility for 10 years.
So far so good - but not like being closer to home.
- striketoo - Wednesday, Oct 18, 17 @ 8:25 pm:
Serious question. Why is the State of Illinois running a veterans home? Isn’t this a job for the Federal government?
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 19, 17 @ 8:46 am:
I’m sure the administration will get to this as soon as they’re finished with real priorities like handing the largest procurement ever to a single bidder for things they don’t understand. Great work everyone.