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Manteno Veterans’ Home tests show “low levels of Legionellosis”

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Illinois

* Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs…

The safety and health of our residents and staff is the highest priority for the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. To ensure that you are fully informed, I’m writing to provide information about a recent case of Legionellosis at the Manteno Veterans’ Home.

On January 8, 2019, a sole case of Legionellosis was detected in a resident who lived at the Manteno Veterans’ Home.

At the time of the diagnosis, we immediately put protocols into place out of an abundance of caution, including installing filters on all showerheads, conducting additional wellness checks on residents, conducting thermal eradication of our water, and increased flushing of the water system. Engineers also conducted additional testing of the water to determine whether there was a “false positive” or whether other locations in the facility had been impacted.

On January 22, 2019, the Manteno Veterans’ Home received our first preliminary water sample test results. These results showed low levels of Legionellosis at three fixtures: a faucet, a sink, and a shower. These three water fixtures were immediately taken out of service. To confirm these test results, the facility will undergo additional testing on Wednesday, January 23, 2019. Results for the second round of tests are expected on February 1, 2019 and we will promptly communicate those results to you and your family.

Through this period, we will support the care of residents and staff with filtered and bottled water. Bottled water and fresh ice are being delivered to the home for drinking and preparing meals. Filters in showers will remain in place until Legionella-free water test results are received. IDVA will continue increased resident vital sign checks. Legionella bacteria exist in most public places, and test results can vary day by day, which is why we will continue testing and keeping rigorous protocols in place to protect the health and safety of our residents and employees.

We will continue to inform you of developments moving forward. If you have any questions, please reach out to Tanya Huston, Manteno Home Administrator at (xxx) xxx-xxxx, ext. xxx. The State of Illinois will take every precaution necessary to protect our residents, staff, and visitors at the Illinois Veterans’ Home in Manteno.

Sincerely,

Brig Gen (R) Stephen Curda, Ph.D. Acting Director
Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA)

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:16 am

Comments

–On January 8, 2019, a sole case of Legionellosis was detected in a resident who lived at the Manteno Veterans’ Home.–

Were family of residents and employees notified at that time?

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:20 am
This is the proper way to respond to a potential crisis.

Comment by cover Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:25 am
How is GovJunk doin’ with Adam’s County grand jury? Just askin’

Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:44 am
The press was notified on January 8th.

https://abc7chicago.com/health/manteno-veterans-home-resident-diagnosed-with-legionnaires-disease/5037502/

Comment by Bigtwich Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:50 am
Bigwitch, thanks.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:52 am
As an aside, I usually consider it a red flag when someone filling a civilian job utilizes their retired military status in their signature block.

The DoD has regulations that are restrictive enough to disallow a DoD civilian from utilizing their retirement rank in their signature block.

Comment by Anon Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 12:42 pm
your turn jb..lets see how you handle it..

Comment by jimmydean Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 2:01 pm
===your turn jb..lets see how you handle it.===

Rauner set a low bar, and with that low bar, Pritzker already, after January 14th, has done more in transparency than Rauner did.

We’ll now see where the resolve and resolution of the problem come in.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 2:14 pm
Gov JB, the guy before you could not lead. When Legionnaires reared its ugly head he immediately went on the blame game, meanwhile he did nothing to fix the issue. You have the opportunity to lead. The bar was set low as others stated, but leaders do not care how low the bar was set, they only care how high they raise it.

I ask you to please take care of these veterans and their families, and please wait to access the blame once you have taken steps to fix the issue.

Good Luck Governor

Comment by FormerParatrooper Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 3:12 pm
–your turn jb..lets see how you handle it..–

He publicly revealed the case of Legionairre’s on the day it was discovered.

How’s that working for you, pilgrim?

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Jan 23, 19 @ 11:25 pm