Jul 2, 2008 12:09 pm US/Central
McHenry Hotel Spa Closed Again For Legionnaire's
3 Caught Disease At Hampton Inn Spa In Late May
The Illinois Department of Public Health has again closed the spa at the Hampton Inn in northwest suburban McHenry after results from a culture test proved positive for the Legionnella bacteria.
Three people were diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease after apparent exposure at the hotel's spa on May 24. The swimming pool and spa reopened on June 18 after test results were negative, but according to a release from the McHenry County Department of Health, the spa has again been closed following the results of additional tests.
No new cases of Legionnaires' have been identified, according to the release, and the investigation is ongoing.
The Hampton Inn has been cooperating fully in the investigation, the health department said.
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) that has been contaminated; 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 65, smokers and those with chronic lung disease. Most cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics.
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