Health officials recently linked two confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease to the AmericInn by Wyndham Hotel in Schaumburg.
The individuals who became ill reported using water in their guest rooms in addition to the hotel’s hot tub and pool during their stays in July and August, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The agency conducted an environmental investigation of the hotel on Aug. 15 with the Cook County Department of Public Health.
The AmericInn voluntarily closed its hot tub and pool during the investigation and will keep them closed until the investigation is completed, according to health officials.
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Legionnaires’ disease is a flu-like malady caused by inhaling water vapor infected with Legionella bacteria. Outbreaks are most commonly associated with buildings or structures that have complex water systems, such as hotels and hospitals.
Most people do not get Legionnaires’ after exposure to Legionella bacteria, and the disease is not transmitted from person to person. Elderly people and those with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible to the disease.
No employee illnesses have been reported, according to the hotel, which is notifying all guests who stayed there from June 13 to present and instructing them to contact CCDPH if they have been or are ill with respiratory symptoms.
“As the epidemiological and environmental investigation of this Legionnaires’ disease cluster continues, it is important to release this information to ensure the guests are aware and seek treatment if they become symptomatic,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike in a statement. “Legionnaires’ disease usually begins with a high fever (102 degrees F to 105 degrees F), chills, muscle aches, cough and shortness of breath, and symptoms usually develop up to two weeks after exposure.”
Last year, there were 510 cases of Legionnaires’ disease statewide. So far this year there have been 242 confirmed cases.
Contact Kristen Thometz: @kristenthometz | (773) 509-5452 | [email protected]
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