Three things to know about the public health crisis in Cahokia Heights
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Hazardous Homes
Read more of the Belleville News-Democrat’s special report on the public health crisis in Cahokia Heights
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Illinois health officials fail to help desperate residents as sewage floods their homes
Raw sewage, lawsuits and millions in federal funding: A timeline of issues in Cahokia Heights
Three things to know about the public health crisis in Cahokia Heights
How we investigated public health agencies’ response to sewage exposure in Cahokia Heights
The Belleville News-Democrat has been reporting on the serious health threats of the long-standing sewage and flooding issues in Cahokia Heights and public health agencies’ role in the crisis.
Here are three things to know about Hazardous Homes, a special report from the BND:
People are sick.
Sewage and floodwater bring the threat of bacteria, parasites, viruses and mold into homes in Cahokia Heights. Universities conducting an independent health study have found more than 40% of adults out of an initial sample of 42 had the same bacterial infection. Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis and the University of Colorado continue studying the prevalence of bacteria and parasites in Cahokia Heights and how residents are being exposed. Residents say stomach, respiratory and heart conditions are common among their neighbors.
Public health has failed to respond.
Public health agencies are responsible for handling serious health threats like exposure to sewage, but the East Side Health District and Illinois Department of Public Health did little to nothing for residents in Cahokia Heights. The local and state agencies haven’t investigated the possible health effects of sewage exposure or fully informed residents of the risks, according to statements from public health officials, interviews with residents and a BND review of educational material the local agency provided to citizens.
The community is getting more federal attention.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency became more involved in Cahokia Heights two years ago, ordering the city to repair the sewer system and water providers to monitor drinking water. Now, another agency has started working in Cahokia Heights. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is gathering information about residents’ health concerns and coordinating with the EPA, according to federal officials. Health and Human Services’ involvement comes after it investigated public health agencies in another part of the country with the Justice Department for failing to take action when sewage spilled into neighborhoods.
This story was originally published November 13, 2023 at 6:00 AM.