Legionnaires Linked to Hotel Hot Tub

By Tim State in News on Jun 8, 2008 3:35PM

A case of Ewww! Two people have been diagnosed with Legionnaire’s disease and linked to a McHenry County Hampton Inn hot tub. The two individuals both used the hot tub on the same day at the South McHenry hotel, located at 1555 S. Route 31. Both have been hospitalized and the Illinois Department of Public Health has issued an alert for people who used the hotel’s pool or spa between May 9 and June 4.

More sever cases of Legionnaire’s disease produces pneumonia-like symptoms. Milder cases can be flue-like. The first case was in 1976 when the American Legion was hosting a bicentennial celebration in Philadelphia. Scores of veterans became sick with pneumonia, and the new bacteria was discovered and subsequently named Legionella.

The bacteria is an aquatic organism that tends to thrive in warm environments.

Hot tub photo by Automania.