December 2, 2021

Indiana Department of Correction confirms Legionnaires' disease outbreak

WFYI News
In this March 4, 2011 photo, a cell block is shown at the Pendleton State Prison in Pendleton, Ind. - AP Photo/AJ Mast

In this March 4, 2011 photo, a cell block is shown at the Pendleton State Prison in Pendleton, Ind.

AP Photo/AJ Mast

The Indiana Department of Correction has confirmed an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at the Pendleton Correctional Facility.

In statement posted on Facebook, the IDOC said three cases have been confirmed, and two additional probable cases have been identified. The sickened individuals all reside in two units of the facility. All five have been hospitalized for treatment, according to the statement.

Legionnaires’ disease is a bacterial lung infection that is most commonly spread through aerosolized water droplets that are inhaled. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it's rare for people to spread the disease to other people.

IDOC said it is working with the Indiana Department of Health to determine the source of the infection.

Tags:Indiana Department of CorrectionPendleton Correctional Facility
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