2 new cases of legionellosis confirmed in Batavia; total now 14

BATAVIA, Ill. (WLS) – Illinois health authorities are in a state of alert after recent confirmation of two new cases of Legionellosis in Batavia.

There are now 14 cases in the western suburbs, most of them in the Covenant Living retirement home in Holmstad.

"We are preparing to know that there may be other cases, although some of the corrective measures have been taken," said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of the public health department of the United States. ;Illinois.

Twelve cases were reported for the first time at Covenant Living in Holmstad. Both new cases have been reported in the surrounding community.

Symptoms include high fever, chills, muscle aches, coughing, and shortness of breath. Those most at risk are older than 50, current and former smokers, and people with weakened immune systems.

"We obviously advise our healthcare providers in the region to be on guard and specifically test Legionnaire's disease," Ezike said.

Cleaning is underway in this community of retirees and the surrounding area. The teams pay special attention to the cooling towers.

"Cooling towers emit water plumes and if legionella bacteria are present in these water plumes, they are aerosolized and people can inhale them and these plumes can spread on a kilometer or two, "Ezike said.

Dr. Ezike said that the number of cases of Legionnaires' disease has increased significantly since 2000.

"We see it more potentially because of the warmer climates, which is a more favorable environment for the bacteria," she said.

According to health officials, symptoms may appear 10 to 14 days after exposure. If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

Twenty-two people died of Legionnaires' disease this year.