James Pate Dies from Legionnaires’ Disease Linked to Tazewell County Jail Water Supply – Peoria, IL, October 6, 2025

On October 6, 2025, James Pate, a 93-year-old man from Pekin, Illinois, died at Carle Health Pekin Hospital after contracting Legionnaires’ disease traced to the Tazewell County Jail’s water system. According to authorities, testing confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria in the facility’s plumbing, leading to an immediate response from jail and county officials. Showers and faucets were shut off to prevent further exposure, and N95 masks were distributed to both staff and inmates as a precautionary measure.

Sheriff Jeff Lower confirmed that no additional cases have been reported. Mitigation efforts are ongoing, including plans to flush all water lines with disinfectant and install specialized filters. The Tazewell County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health are assisting in the investigation to ensure the facility is rendered safe. Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, spreads primarily through inhalation of aerosolized water droplets containing Legionella bacteria.