IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health

For more information on Legionnaires’ disease and how to stay safe, visit:
dph.illinois.gov/topics-servi...

IDPH will continue to update the public as new information becomes available.

🧾 So far in 2025, Illinois has reported 287 cases of Legionnaires’ disease statewide.
It’s a reportable disease, meaning cases must be reported to health departments within 3 days - helping officials quickly identify and control possible sources.

💧 Legionella bacteria are found naturally in water, but can grow in:
Cooling towers
Hot tubs
Showers
Decorative fountains
Large plumbing systems
The illness spreads when mist or vapor containing the bacteria is inhaled.
It’s not spread person-to-person.

Most healthy people do not get sick after exposure.
Those at higher risk include:
➡️ Adults 50+
➡️ Current or former smokers
➡️ People with lung disease or weakened immune systems
➡️ People with cancer, diabetes, or kidney/liver disease

Watch for:
Cough
Shortness of breath
Headache
Muscle aches
Fever
💬 “Early treatment reduces the severity of illness and improves your chances for recovery,” says Dr. Rashmi Chugh, DuPage County Health Department.

🚨 Who should get tested?
If you’ve visited or been within 2 miles of the Alden Valley Ridge facility (275 E Army Trail Rd, Bloomingdale) in the past month and now have pneumonia symptoms - see a doctor right away.
Early treatment saves lives.

🏥 What is Legionnaires’ disease?
A serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Legionella bacteria.
It’s treatable with antibiotics, but can be severe - especially for people with weakened immune systems.
About 1 in 10 people who get it may die from the infection.

IDPH Environmental Health staff investigated the Alden Valley Ridge Rehabilitation and Health Center on September 22. Tests detected Legionella bacteria in water samples from a patient room and the facility’s cooling tower.
Remediation steps are underway, and the facility is cooperating fully.

IDPH and DuPage County Health Department are investigation two cases of Legionnaires' disease linked to a skilled nursing facility in Bloomingdale, IL. Both individuals have recovered.
🧵 Here's what to know ⬇️

The risk to the public remains low when proper precautions are taken. Illinois continues to monitor closely, with resources available to keep communities safe.
🔗 Learn more: dph.illinois.gov/resource-cen...

If you’ve had contact with sick/dead birds:
💊 Antivirals may help prevent illness if started early
🤒 Watch for flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, eye redness, vomiting/diarrhea)
📍 Tell your provider about your exposure immediately

If you see dead or sick wild birds:
❌ Don’t touch them
📞 Report clusters (5+) to local health or IDNR
⚠️ Do NOT take them to vets, rehab centers, or refuges

But precaution is still key. Migratory birds are now moving through the state, and some may carry H5N1.

This success comes from statewide teamwork:
🤝 IDPH + IDOA + local health departments
👩‍🌾 Dairy farmers & farm families
📦 Partners providing PPE & biosecurity resources
All working together to protect people & cattle.

What does "unaffected" mean?
👉 Ongoing testing & surveillance show NO disease in Illinois dairy cattle
👉 Our dairy supply remains safe and secure

🐮 GOOD NEWS: Illinois has been declared "unaffected" by H5N1 avian influenza in dairy cattle, thanks to strong partnerships between IDPH, IDOA, farmers, and local health departments.

Misinformation is loud. Science is clear. ✅
Thanks @govpritzker.illinois.gov for making space for the truth.

Short questions. Clear answers. Zero debate.

Illinois is taking major steps to improve maternal health and birth equity. The new Illinois Birth Equity Blueprint outlines strategies to expand access, support providers, and ensure safer, more equitable care for every mother.
📰 Read more: dph.illinois.gov/resource-cen...

Pregnant people and children can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed and as directed by a healthcare provider.

Pregnant people should not “tough it out” if they have a fever. Untreated fevers are clearly associated with pregnancy complications and can be harmful to the baby.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) has long been established as a safe pain reliever and fever reducer for use during pregnancy.

IDPH is deeply concerned by the federal government issuing medical recommendations that are not backed by the full weight of scientific evidence.

The science has not changed: Taking acetaminophen during pregnancy does not cause autism.

📰 Read more: dph.illinois.gov/resource-cen...

All Illinoisans deserve credible, transparent, science-based vaccine guidance. IDPH's recommendations ensure that residents can protect themselves and their family members this respiratory virus season.

Tickborne illnesses remain a risk in Illinois this fall. Fight the bite and stay protected.
📰 More info: dph.illinois.gov/resource-cen...

If you find a tick attached for more than 3 days, seek medical care. Save the tick in rubbing alcohol or a sealed bag for ID purposes.

Risk to the public is low, but you should take steps to protect yourself from tick bites:
✔️ Walk in the center of trails
✔️ Avoid tall grass + brush
✔️ Use EPA-registered repellent
✔️ Wear light clothing and tuck pants into socks

Powassan cannot spread person-to-person through casual contact. IDPH + local partners are investigating whether this case was linked to exposure in Illinois or another state. Tick surveillance will be conducted in areas where the individual spent time before illness.

Initial symptoms may include:
➡️ Fever
➡️ Headache
➡️ Vomiting
➡️ Weakness
Severe cases can cause confusion, loss of coordination, seizures, and difficulty speaking.