Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs issued the following announcement on Aug. 16.
The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are investigating 9 confirmed communicable respiratory illnesses and 3 possible illnesses among residents at the Illinois Veterans' Home - Quincy (IVHQ). Symptoms were exhibited by residents during the period of July 24, 2019 - August 10, 2019.
Current investigative findings suggest a common bacterial or viral cause, which tend to occur with greater frequency at this time of year due to seasonal uptick. The Adams County Health Department is also assisting in this investigation to identify and mitigate possible sources of the respiratory illnesses. Legionella is not suspected as the cause.
IVHQ has alerted all patients, family, and staff about the rise in the number of illnesses. IDPH is assisting with the investigation, providing guidance on clinical testing, infection control, and steps to implement to safeguard everyone at the facility.
"Our first concern is the safety and well-being of our state's veteran heroes," said Linda Chapa LaVia, Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. "We notified the residents, their families, and our employees, in addition to posting the notification and updates as new cases have been confirmed at the facility and on our website. We continue to work with IDPH and the Adams County Health Department to investigate the root cause and ensure our residents continue to receive the utmost care."
All IDVA illness notifications may be found at www.veterans.illinois.gov.
"The health, safety, and high quality of life for the residents remains our highest priority," said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. "We will continue to support IVHQ and work with local partners to identify the cause and implement necessary interventions."
For more information please visit www.dph.illinois.gov.
Original source can be found here.
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