Durbin Says He Doesn’t Think State-Run Vets’ Home That’s Struggled With Legionnaires’ Outbreaks Should Close

Durbin Says He Doesn’t Think State-Run Vets’ Home That’s Struggled With Legionnaires’ Outbreaks Should Close

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Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin now says he does not believe the state-run veterans’ home in Quincy should close. That’s even though it’s struggled with persistent Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks. Durbin told WBEZ last month it’s a “scandal” that the state of Illinois has not been able to rid the veterans’ home water system of Legionella bacteria after three years. But Durbin talked with reporters Friday after meeting with Gov. Bruce Rauner at the facility. He says when he called for the facility’s closing, the state had no suggestion of a plan. A new federal report says despite the state’s efforts, the possibility of future Legionnaires’ cases at the veterans’ home cannot be eliminated.