Seven people have died from a Legionnaires' Disease outbreak in western Illinois. The cases all involve residents of the Illinois Veterans' Home in Quincy.
The Department of Veteran's Affairs says all had underlying medical conditions. There's still no word on what has caused the outbreak.
The severe form of pneumonia can develop after an individual inhales water vapor containing the Legionella bacteria. Most cases are traced to problems with plumbing systems. It is not spread person to person.
The Veterans' Home is working with public health officials to mitigate potential causes.
39 people have been diagnosed so far. Test results are pending for others. Experts from the Centers for Disease Control have been brought in to investigate the Quincy site.
