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, accused of killing his 80-year-old wife, died on October 6 from Legionnaires’ Disease while being held in jail.
The department is now working with the Illinois Department of Public Health to flush out the jail pipes, run chlorine through them, and change out the filters.
The Tazewell County Health Department is also providing resources, with Epidemiologist Megan Hanley stating that the IDPH will help create a flushing schedule with the jail.
The total cost for the county is not yet known, according to Tazewell County Sheriff Jeffrey Lower.
- Extensive testing and repairs are being done to remove Legionella bacteria from the pipes.
- The Illinois Department of Public Health is assisting with the process.
- The Tazewell County Health Department is providing resources.
Author's summary: Tazewell County Jail is undergoing repairs after an inmate died from Legionnaire’s disease.