Tazewell County Jail Addresses Legionella Outbreak
The Tazewell County Jail in Pekin is undergoing extensive testing and repairs to remove Legionella bacteria from its pipes after an inmate died from Legionnaire's disease.
An elderly inmate, James Pate, 94, died on October 6 from Legionnaires' Disease while being held in jail. Pate was accused of killing his 80-year-old wife, Cheryl, in September.
Tazewell County Sheriff Jeffrey Lower stated that the department is working with the Illinois Department of Public Health to address the issue. The plan includes flushing out the jail pipes, running chlorine through them, and changing out the filters.
- Flushing out the jail pipes
- Running chlorine through the pipes
- Changing out the filters
The IDPH will probably help create a flushing schedule with the jail - Megan Hanley, Health Department Epidemiologist
The Tazewell County Health Department is also providing resources to support the effort. The total cost for the county is not yet known.
Author's summary: Tazewell County Jail undergoes repairs after inmate dies from Legionnaire's disease.