Deaths Linked to Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak at Chicago Hotel

The infection control and indoor air quality experts at EC2 help identify the deadly microbial organism responsible for the Legionnaires’ disease.

Woodstock, IL, September 4th, 2012 -- Last week, CNN News reported that eight people who stayed at a downtown Chicago hotel have come down with Legionnaires’ disease.  Tragically, several people have died from the illness. The hotel is in the process of contacting thousands of past guests who stayed at the hotel to check for any symptoms of the disease.  In response to the outbreak, the hotel has drained its pool, hot tub and fountain.

Legionnaires' disease is caused by a type of bacteria called Legionella.  According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Each year, between 8,000 and 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires' disease in the U.S. However, many infections are not diagnosed or reported, so this number may be higher. More illness is usually found in the summer and early fall, but it can happen any time of year.”

Legionnaires' disease can have symptoms like many other forms of pneumonia, so it can be hard to diagnose at first. Signs of the disease can include a high fever, chills, and a cough. Some people may also suffer from muscle aches and headaches.

Ed Chambers, President of EC2, Inc., is one of the leading Legionella experts in the Midwest.  When asked about the recent outbreak he reported the following, “Legionnaires’ disease can be extremely serious, resulting in deaths in up to 5 to 30% of the cases.  It grows best in warm water, like what can be found in hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, or parts of the air-conditioning systems of large buildings.  People can get Legionnaires' disease when they breathe in a mist or vapor that has been contaminated with the Legionella bacteria.  Fortunately, it can be identified proactively by testing these water sources.  Testing can also help to quickly pinpoint a source of an outbreak to prevent further infections.”

EC2 has sponsored an educational video about Legionella and Legionnaires’ disease.  It can be seen at:

http://youtu.be/HB7g81JxCq0

To learn more about Legionella, indoor air quality (IAQ) or other environmental issues, please visit http://www.4ec2inc.com, email info@4ec2inc.com or call (815) 703-9000.

About EC2, Inc.

EC2 is a leading provider of environmental consulting and inspection services for clients across the United States.  Based in the Chicago area, the company provides their services to clients ranging from local companies and institutions to international Fortune 500 Corporations.