Legionnaires’ Disease Cluster Investigation Linked to a Skilled Nursing Facility in Bloomingdale, Illinois

Legionnaires' Disease Cluster Investigation Linked to a Skilled Nursing Facility in Bloomingdale, Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), working closely with the DuPage County Health Department, is investigating a cluster of two Legionnaires' disease cases, with illness onsets within one month of each other, in individuals who were at or near the Alden Valley Ridge Rehabilitation and Health Center in Bloomingdale, Illinois. Both individuals have recovered from their illnesses.

IDPH Environmental Health staff conducted an onsite investigation at Alden Valley on September 22, 2025, and collected environmental samples. Testing performed by the IDPH Laboratory detected the presence of Legionella pneumophilia bacteria within the facility in samples collected from the case's room and the facility's cooling tower. IDPH has communicated remediation procedures and water restrictions, as well as requirements for a comprehensive assessment of the facility's water systems and additional testing requirements to confirm successful remediation. IDPH has also recommended the facility provide notification to residents/families and employees. In addition, IDPH recommended the facility conduct surveillance to identify other potential cases and to ensure appropriate human testing and clinical management. The facility is cooperating with the investigation.

Legionnaires' disease is a type of severe pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It is treatable with antibiotics (drugs that kill bacteria in the body). Most people who get sick need care in a hospital but make a full recovery. However, about 1 out of 10 people who get Legionnaires' disease will die from the infection.

"We urge any persons who have visited or been within two miles of the Alden Valley Ridge facility located at 275 E Army Trail Rd in Bloomingdale within the last month who are currently experiencing pneumonia symptoms-cough, shortness of breath, headache, muscle aches and/or fever-to see a doctor right away for testing," said Dr. Rashmi Chugh, Medical Officer at the DuPage County Health Department. "Early treatment of Legionnaire's disease reduces the severity of the illness and improves your chances for recovery." Testing and/or treatment is not needed for individuals without symptoms.

Most healthy people do not get Legionnaires' disease after being exposed to Legionella bacteria. People at increased risk of getting sick include:

• People ages 50 years or older
• Current or former smokers
• People with a chronic lung disease (like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema)
• People with weak immune systems or who take drugs that weaken the immune system (like after a transplant operation or chemotherapy)
• People with cancer
• People with underlying illnesses such as diabetes, kidney failure, or liver failure

Legionella bacteria occur naturally in the environment. Water containing Legionella can be aerosolized through cooling towers, showers, hot tubs, and decorative fountains, and can cause Legionnaires' disease, a serious lung infection (pneumonia) when inhaled. Legionnaires' disease is not passed from person to person. Illnesses are most commonly associated with buildings or structures that have complex water systems like hotels, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and cruise ships. The bacteria can become a health concern when they grow and spread in human-made water systems like hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and decorative fountains. There is no evidence that the Legionella bacteria are spread from person-to-person.

According to preliminary statewide data from the Illinois Department of Public Health, 287 cases of Legionnaires' disease have been reported thus far in 2025. Legionnaires' is a reportable disease in the state of Illinois, and cases must be reported to the local health department within three days. Timely reporting allows identification of additional cases and control of possible contaminated sources.

More information about Legionnaires' disease can be found on the IDPH website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.