Cook Co. Jail says inmate diagnosed with 'isolated' case of Legionnaire's disease

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Wednesday, July 13, 2016
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Legionnaires' disease (FILE)
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CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Cook County Sheriff's Office says an inmate who has been hospitalized since July 6 with pneumonia-like symptoms has tested positive for Legionnaire's disease, but says it is an isolated case.

Sheriff's Office officials say neither the man's cellmate nor other inmates or staff on his living unit or in his division have developed symptoms of Legionnaire's, but out of an abundance of caution they will be moved until further notice.

The inmate is being treated at Stroger Hospital and is doing well, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart has directed the Cook County Department of Facilities Management and the Cook County Health and Hospital System to find the source of the bacteria.

All staff that work in the division where the inmate was housed are being notified and urged to see their doctors.