Two Confirmed Cases of Legionnaires’ Disease Linked to AmericInn in Schaumburg

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Local News

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recently linked two confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease to the AmericInn by Wyndham Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois, and is currently investigating the cluster with the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH). Both confirmed cases reported use of water in their guest rooms, the hot tub, and pool during hotel stays in July and August 2019. IDPH and CCDPH conducted an environmental investigation of the hotel on August 15, 2019. The AmericInn voluntarily closed its hot tub and pool during the investigation and they will remain closed until the investigation is completed. Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection (pneumonia) that people can get by breathing in small droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria. It is not transmitted person-to-person. Outbreaks are most commonly associated with buildings or structures that have complex water systems, like hotels, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and cruise ships. In 2018, Illinois reported 510 cases of Legionnaires’ disease statewide with 242 confirmed to date in 2019. Additional information about Legionnaires’ disease can be found on the IDPH website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

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