Adams County health officials have reported that two more victims of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak at the Quincy Illinois Veterans’ Home died as a result of the disease, bringing the overall death toll to nine.
The local health department is still investigating the source of the outbreak that has caused over 50 residents to become ill.
Legionnaires’ disease can be caused by bacteria formations in improperly maintained water systems in buildings. The bacteria can be carried in water vapor that a person might inhale causing a number of symptoms, some of which are similar to pneumonia.