Chicago city health officials are investigating two laboratory-confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in two individuals who both stayed at Embassy Suites located at 600 North State Street in Chicago.

Legionella bacteria Image/CDC
Legionella bacteria
Image/CDC

At this time, it is not known whether the Embassy Suites was the source of the bacteria that caused the two people to become sick. Potential exposure sites are being sampled and hotel management is cooperating fully with the investigation. There is no immediate risk to the public.

Both patients have been treated and are recovering.

At the Chicago Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) recommendation, Embassy Suites has closed all water features while testing is underway and thorough disinfection is being performed. This will greatly reduce the risk of Legionnaires’ disease, if any Legionella was present.

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia. People can get Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in small water droplets containing Legionella bacteria. Symptoms may include fever, cough, shortness of breath and severe headache. If you have experienced these symptoms within two weeks of staying at the Embassy Suites at 600 North State Street, contact your health provider.

Legionnaires’ disease and Legionella, Part One

“We are working to help prevent additional people from becoming sick,” said CDPH Commissioner Julie Morita, MD. “Individuals who believe they may have been exposed and who develop symptoms should contact their provider.”

Legionnaires’ disease and Legionella, Part Two