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MCHENRY COUNTY, IL – The McHenry County Department of Health has identified a "common potential source of exposure" for six of the 12 people who contracted Legionnaires' disease while visiting, working or living in the area these last weeks. The "source" is within a 1.5-mile radius of the intersection of Walkup Road and Route 176 in Crystal Lake, health officials said Friday. Keri Zaleski, head of community information at the McHenry County Department of Health, said, "The local health department worked with a specific location, such as a specific water plan where all sick are gone. the Illinois Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control in recent weeks, conducting interviews and environmental assessments to try to determine a possible link between cases.
"Many environmental samples were collected, but it often happens that only one source is ever found, which is not surprising or unusual as Legionella bacteria are ubiquitous in our environment natural, "said Joe Gugle. Departmental administrator.
A total of 12 people contracted the disease – including nine residents of McHenry County, health officials said Friday. Two lived in the state and one lived out of state, Zaleski said.
People who become ill are between 46 and 82 years old. They lived in Union, Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Huntley and Wonder Lake and were diagnosed with illness between June 7 and July 1. No new cases have been reported since July 1, according to Friday's release.
"This year, McHenry County has experienced an increase in the number of Legionnaires' disease cases, and this increase is also observed in our region and in the state, as well as a national increase over the last decade ". Susan Karras, Director of MCHR Nurses. "Most people exposed to Legionella bacteria will not get sick, but can cause serious illness, especially in people with risk factors."
More frequently in hot weather, Legionnaires' disease is caused by the Legionella bacteria. According to a press release, this infection represents the greatest risk for people over 50 and for those with certain risk factors, such as a current or former smoker, a chronic illness or a weakened immune system.
Symptoms usually begin two to ten days after exposure and may include coughing, muscle aches, fever, shortness of breath, and headache. According to a press release, diarrhea and mental confusion are also common
You can get sick while breathing in a mist or small droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria. Legionella bacteria are found naturally in freshwater environments such as lakes and streams. They can become a health problem when they are found in water systems, such as water used for showering, hot tubs, cooling towers, decorative fountains and hot water tanks.
Home and car air conditioners do not use water to cool the air and are generally not considered a risk of Legionella overgrowth. Legionella bacteria do not spread from person to person, except in rare circumstances, according to the press release.
MCHR is working closely with the IDPH and the CDC to continue investigating local cases of Legionnaires' disease. Environmental assessment results will not be available for six weeks.
"It's a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack," Zaleski said of health officials looking for a source of the disease. "There are many different sources for legionaries."
Zaleski says anyone who experiences symptoms should contact their doctor.
More information is available on the CDC website.
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