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Department of Health officials in McHenry County study nine cases of Legionnaires' disease diagnosed from June 7 to July 1.
The sick people came from different parts of the county and were between 46 and 82 years old. According to county health officials, they lived in a public facility
. "At the present time, no common denominator has been found," said department spokeswoman Keri Zaleski. "We have not identified the source."
The Illinois Department of Public Health assists in the investigation, including "trying to identify commonalities – potential exposures," said Melaney spokeswoman Arnold. a type of bacteria found in the environment and transmitted by breathing in a mist or a contaminated vapor, occurring more often in hot and humid weather, according to health officials. This can become a health problem when it is found in water systems. In the state of Quincy, Legionnaires' disease was cited as a contributing factor in 13 deaths of residents of Illinois Veterans Home, which occurred in 2015.
Symptoms often begin two to ten days after exposure and include diarrhea, nausea, sore muscles, fever and chills. Coughing, shortness of breath, headaches or mental confusion are also common. [Traduction] "Legionnaires' disease does not transfer people to anyone," said Dr. Jennifer Layden, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Illinois Department of Public Health. "Most healthy people do not have Legionnaires' disease after being exposed to Legionella bacteria."
She added that the risk increased for people over 50, current or former smokers, and immunocompromised individuals. In McHenry County, three cases were reported in 2017 and ten cases were reported in 2016, according to the state's Department of Public Health. In nearby Kane County, health department spokesman Tom Schlueter said two cases of legionnaires were reported this year, in May and June, and 17 cases were reported in 2017. [19659007Beacon-News'MeganJonescontributed
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