UPDATE: McHenry Hotel Pool Reopened, Legionnaires' Investigation Continues
After comprehensive water testing by the Illinois Department of Public Health, the swimming pool and spa at the Hampton Inn in northwest suburban McHenry has been reopened.
Water samples taken June 6 from the hotel’s swimming pool/spa had tested positive for the Legionnella bacteria. While the pool and spa has been reopened, the Legionnaires’ outbreak investigation is ongoing, according to the McHenry County Department of Health.
Three individuals – one local, one each from Michigan and Indiana – were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease after staying at the hotel. No additional cases of Legionnaires’ have been identified in the report, which also says the Hampton Inn has been cooperating fully in the investigation.
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by a type of bacteria commonly found in the environment and can thrive under certain conditions. People can get Legionnaires’ by breathing in a mist or vapor (i.e. from a hot tub, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems) that has been contaminated with the bacteria; it is not spread person-to-person.
Symptoms are similar to pneumonia and typically begin 2 to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, chills, cough, muscle aches and headaches. Chest X-rays are needed to confirm pneumonia; additional tests are needed to confirm the Legionella bacteria. Legionnaires’ disease can be very serious and can cause death in up to 30 percent of cases. Persons most at risk include those over age 65, smokers and those with chronic lung disease. Most cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
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