Legionnaires' case reported at Chester MHC
In a Wednesday news release, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported one patient at the Chester Mental Health Center tested positive for Legionnaires' Disease.
IDHS received confirmation of the positive test on Tuesday. The patient is being treated and was reported as being in stable condition.
"IDHS is working with the Illinois Department of Public Health to determine the potential source of the bacteria," IDHS said in a statement. "Environmental engineers will be on grounds this week to gather data and begin collecting water samples.
"IDHS will continue to be vigilant for respiratory illness. Staff are actively monitoring patients to quickly identify any residents with respiratory illness to make sure they receive immediate medical care."
Out of caution, IDHS turned off the water in the patient's unit while also providing bottled water for staff and other residents.
IDHS spokeswoman Meghan Powers said her agency has not found any additional confirmed cases of Legionnaires' Disease after reviewing the past six months of CMHC records of patients who were suffering from a respiratory ailment.
"My number one priority is to ensure the safety of the residents and staff at the facility," said state Sen. Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo), who is monitoring the situation, in a news release. "IDHS has been transparent and proactive, they're acting swiftly to reach out to residents' families and keep everyone abreast of any new developments."
CMHC is the state's only maximum-security mental health facility. IDHS said in its release that about 300 cases of Legionnaires' Disease, which cannot be transferred from person-to-person, are reported across the state each year.
"Although legionella is a threat that needs to be taken seriously, it's a bacteria that is naturally occurring in the environment," Schimpf said. "It's fairly widespread and can be found in facilities where older plumbing is present," Schimpf said. "The bacteria is predominantly threatening to older individuals and those who have preexisting respiratory health issues."