ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Health authorities in Illinois have ordered surgeries paused at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island after testing revealed bacteria responsible for Legionnaires’ disease in the facility’s air conditioning infrastructure, local officials announced Friday.
The suspension was mandated by the state until screenings verify that the bacteria is no longer present, according to Rock Island County Health Department Director George Verástegui, as reported by KWQC. While surgical procedures have been paused, the broader medical center continues to operate without central air conditioning.
Cooling Towers Shut Down for Remediation
Health administrators indicated that the public and patients are not in immediate danger because the contamination was confined to an external segment of the property. In a statement released Friday morning, Trinity Rock Island confirmed the discovery of Legionella bacteria within its cooling towers, which serve as components of centralized air cooling by utilizing fans and water.
Hospital officials stated that they moved swiftly to shut down the cooling towers and are coordinating with the Illinois Department of Public Health as well as water-management specialists to sanitize and conduct follow-up testing on the equipment. Hospital representatives noted that because the cooling configuration operates as a closed system venting outdoors, it presents no current threat to patients, staff, or neighboring residents. The facility also confirmed that ice supplies and drinking water remain safe.
Facility managers are deploying alternative measures to manage indoor temperatures, maintain patient comfort, and preserve vital medical services while the primary cooling mechanism remains turned off. Hospital staff will reach out to patients individually if any planned procedures or appointments face disruptions.
Understanding the Health Risks
Legionella bacteria can trigger Legionnaires’ disease, which is a severe and potentially fatal variant of pneumonia. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that roughly one out of every 10 people who contract Legionnaires’ disease dies from complications related to the infection. Central air cooling towers are known to be frequent sources where such bacteria can multiply if not properly managed.
Verástegui noted that hospital personnel are currently sanitizing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment alongside carrying out regular diagnostic tests. Public health authorities expect to obtain a clearer assessment of the facility’s status early next week, KWQC reported.
