Illinois Hotel Spa Closed After Legionnaires’ Cases Linked to Pool and Hot Tub

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has linked two confirmed Legionnaires’ disease cases to the pool and hot tub at the Hilton Garden Inn North Shore/Evanston, prompting the hotel to shut the spa facilities. Water sampling conducted in August detected Legionella bacteria in the hot tub’s water system, and the spa has remained closed since Sept. 2 while remediation work proceeds.

"Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria in the water system associated with the hot tub," the city’s news release said. "The hotel has received guidance from IDPH on proper remediation of the affected areas. The spa will remain closed until the full remediation process is completed."

Testing of other hotel water sources did not find Legionella. The disease, caused by inhaling mist containing the bacteria, can produce symptoms such as cough, fever, headache and diarrhea, and poses higher risk to older adults, smokers and individuals with underlying health conditions. The hotel and the state Health and Human Services Department have not responded to requests for comment.

The incident follows recent Legionella detections elsewhere in the region, including a cooling-tower test at a major sports venue and an outbreak in the South Bronx that resulted in one death and several hospitalizations.