PEKIN, Ill. – An elderly Tazewell County Jail inmate, who was awaiting trial for murder, has died from Legionnaire’s disease, prompting the Tazewell County sheriff to release some “non-violent” inmates to reduce the potential spread of the disease through the jail’s population.
In a release Friday night, Tazewell County Sheriff Jeffrey Lower said he learned on Friday that the jail’s internal water system had tested positive for legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaire’s disease.
Tazewell County Coroner Charles Hanley said 94-year-old James Pate died on October 6. He was charged with fatally stabbing his 80-year-old wife, Cheryl, in Pekin on September 2.
(Tazewell County Jail courtesy of 25 News)
Lower said Pate’s health began to deteriorate roughly a month ago, and he was put into hospice care when doctors said he likely wouldn’t recover.
Legionnaire’s disease is a severe type of pneumonia that can be contracted by inhaling mist or water droplets containing the bacteria. The Illinois Department of Public Health says Legionnaire’s disease is not contracted by drinking water, and is not spread from person to person.
Prior to official test results coming back positive, Sheriff Lower said his office had already put into place a series of preventative measures to protect inmates and staff, including providing bottled water, using outside water sources, and asking for the Illinois Department of Public Health for guidance.
The sheriff says he’s also working with the Tazewell County State’s Attorney’s Office to release “eligible non-violent misdemeanor” offenders to reduce jail population. The jail is currently holding 120 inmates.
“The health and safety of both our inmates and our staff remain our highest priority,” said Lower in a prepared statement. “We are acting swiftly, transparently, and in full cooperation with state and local health experts to address this issue and ensure our facility remains safe for everyone inside.”
Besides treating the jail’s water system, Lower says the following steps are being taken:
- Limiting the use of water sources that produce mist or steam, such as showers and sinks, until further notice
- Providing bottled drinking water and alternative options for personal hygiene
- Conducting flushing and disinfection of the facility’s plumbing systems under the direction of public health officials and contracted specialists
- Adjusting air handling and temperature controls to minimize potential aerosol spread
- Ensuring that medical staff are actively monitoring all inmates and staff for any symptoms of illness, including cough, fever, or shortness of breath. Anyone exhibiting symptoms is being promptly evaluated by medical professionals.
The sheriff says the public will be updated on any new information when it is available.
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