8 Treated for Legionnaires' Disease at Quincy Veterans Home

Illinois authorities say eight residents of the Illinois Veterans' Home in Quincy have confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease.

The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Illinois Department of Public Health announced the cases Thursday, adding that there have been no known deaths related to the outbreak.

The agencies say test results are currently pending for other residents.

They say they're working closely with the Adams County Health Department to identify and mitigate possible sources of the Legionella bacteria.

Legionnaires' disease is caused when water tainted with Legionella bacteria is inhaled into the lungs. It's considered particularly dangerous for elderly people and people with underlying health issues.

The Illinois Department of Correction announced two weeks ago that one inmate at the Stateville Correctional Center was being treated for the illness. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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