Fourth case of Legionnaires' disease at Vernon Hills retirement complex

Bob Susnjara | Daily Herald StaffContact writer

Fourth case of Legionnaires' disease at Vernon Hills retirement complex

By Bob Susnjara | Daily Herald Staff

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Published: 11/9/2009 3:39 PM

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* Vernon Hills retirement community responds to Legionnaires' outbreak [11/08/09]

* Legionnaires' disease investigated at Vernon Hills retirement home [11/06/09]

A fourth confirmed case of Legionnaires' disease has been traced to The Park at Vernon Hills retirement community.

Investigators from the Illinois Department of Public Health were at the facility Monday as part of an effort to determine the cause of the Legionnaires' disease. The bacterial infection is thought to have caused the death of two residents of The Park. The condition of the other two residents with the disease was not immediately available Monday.

Agency spokeswoman Melaney Arnold said test results from water samples taken from the suspected source over the weekend won't be known for 10 to 14 days.

Four cases of Legionnaires' disease are now linked to The Park, Arnold said Monday. There were three confirmed cases as of last Friday.

One of the deaths occurred in September and the other became known when it was reported to the Lake County Health Department last week.

Legionnaires' disease is contracted by inhaling contaminated mist or vapor. It is not contagious or transmitted from person to person.

Arnold said multiple water samples were collected from aquatic elements of The Park's atrium, which features a rain forest, waterfall and spa. She said the state investigators have recommended the atrium area remain closed.

Residents have been notified of the Legionnaires situation. About 260 residents live at The Park, 145 N. Milwaukee Ave.

Health officials say the disease is treatable with antibiotics, but it can be serious and cause death in up to 30 percent of cases.

Check back later for more on dailyherald.com or in Tuesday's paper.

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