3 Cases of Legionnaires' Disease Confirmed at Suburban Senior Living Center

The cases were reported at the McHenry Villa, public health officials said

At least three cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been confirmed at a senior living community in suburban McHenry, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

In a press release issued Wednesday, the IDPH confirmed the cases occurred at McHenry Villa, and that they are investigating what caused the outbreak.

“IDPH is investigating possible sources, identifying individuals who may have been exposed, and recommending remediation and prevention measures.”

The press release says that management at the McHenry Villa are notifying residents, families,a nd staff. The IDPH says that all three individuals who tested positive had “outside exposures,” and that they are investigating whether that had anything to do with the positive cases.

“The safety of our patients, staff and visitors is our highest priority,” center management said in a statement. “As part of our ongoing commitment to patient safety, we routinely test our hospitals’ water supply to ensure it meets and exceeds the standards set by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

“Within the last month, we completed a routine water test at our McHenry Hospital and the results showed there was no Legionella pneumophila in the water. We do not believe our hospital was the site for this exposure. We reported these two patients to IDPH, as required, and will provide support as needed.”

The IDPH also reported another individual was confirmed to have Legionnaires’ at the Warren Barr South Loop nursing home in Chicago, the third confirmation at that complex this year.

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