Legionnaires’ Disease Linked to JW Marriott Chicago

The JW Marriott Chicago is mailing notices to thousands of guests after public health officials linked three cases of Legionnaires’ disease to the hotel. There is no ongoing health risk from the waterborne disease—the hotel has drained its pool, hot tub and fountain to prevent further infections—but as many as 8,500 people who stayed at the hotel between July 16 and Aug. 15 may have been exposed. First identified in the ’70s, Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by a specific form of bacteria. Symptoms include fever, chills, coughing, muscle aches and headaches. Anyone who recently stayed at the hotel and is experiencing such symptoms should contact a doctor. Of the three confirmed cases, one person remains hospitalized. chicagotribune.com