QUINCY, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois Veterans Home where a summer Legionnaire’s disease outbreak led to 12 deaths and sickened more than 40 others is replacing its water systems and making other emergency repairs.
The Quincy Herald-Whig reports that the estimated $4.8 million worth of repairs include the installation of a new water main and other water lines at the 129-year-old facility.
A garage is being converted into a chemical treatment station. Mixing valves will be installed in a hot water system that will be heated to higher temperatures. And disinfection equipment will be added to the cold water system to prevent bacteria growth.
Legionnaires’ disease is transmitted by breathing vapor or mist from contaminated water systems.
The elderly residents who died had underlying health conditions that made them more vulnerable to infection.
