Legionnaires’ Disease

The city of Quincy did not violate any state or federal laws when it changed its water treatment processes in the months prior to the Legionnaires' outbreak. “It really points out this gap in our regulatory structure that we can have these major changes at the water treatment facility, and not require any additional monitoring or communication with the community,” said William Rhoads, a civil engineer who led the study at Virginia Tech.

Quincy Made Major Changes To Water Treatment Prior to Legionnaires’ Outbreak

Shahla Farzan

Public records obtained by researchers at Virginia Tech show the city of Quincy changed its water treatment processes in the months leading up to the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, which may have allowed Legionella bacteria to multiply throughout the water system.

The pandemic forced many large buildings to close, including theaters, schools and stadiums. Researchers warn that the stagnant water sitting in the pipes of these buildings may have accumulated pathogens and heavy metals.

Health, Science & Environment

As Buildings Reopen, Stagnant Water May Harbor Unseen Risks

Shahla Farzan

After sitting empty for months, offices and commercial buildings in St. Louis are beginning to reopen — many with freshly installed Plexiglas barriers to…

State officials are testing the Marriott St. Louis West after two guests who stayed at the hotel this fall were diagnosed with the bacterial lung infection Legionnaires' disease.

Health, Science & Environment

State investigates St. Louis hotel after 2 guests diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease

Sarah Fentem

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is investigating a west St. Louis County hotel after two recent guests developed Legionnaires’…

The entrance to the Illinois Veterans Home marks the year the long-term care facility first opened. It is the largest and oldest of four state-run veterans' homes.

Health, Science & Environment

WBEZ reporters discuss ‘dramatic testimonies’ in investigation of Legionnaires’ deaths

Lara Hamdan

Since the summer of 2015, a dozen people have died at a state operated veteran’s home in Quincy, Illinois from Legionnaires’ Disease – and dozens more…

Front entrance to the Illinois Veterans' Home-Quincy. Seven have died in an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease.

Health, Science & Environment

Seven dead from Legionnaires' disease at Quincy veterans' home

Illinois has confirmed three more deaths from Legionnaires' disease at a Quincy veterans' home, increasing the number of fatalities from the outbreak to…