Protecting families from contaminated food and water
All fields are required
Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Legionella,Legionnaire's disease,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on September 23, 2026
Illinois Department of Health and the City of Evanston Health and Human Services are currently investigating a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak connected to the Evanston Hilton Garden Inn. Laboratory results indicate hot tub exposure as the likely source of the reported illnesses.
Legionnaires’ disease has recently been in the news with cooling tower exposure in the Upper East Side and South Bronx. However, plumbing problems and hot tubs can also be a common sources of Legionnaires’ disease exposure.
Here’s what we know so far about Legionnaires’ disease at Evanston Hilton Garden Inn.
Information about two cases of Legionnaires’ disease were forwarded to The City of Evanston’s Health and Human Services. Both cases had links to the Evanston Hilton Garden Inn. This prompted a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak investigation.
An environmental investigation, water sampling, and patient interviews are part of that investigation.
Meanwhile, the pool and hot tub areas were closed by the facility since September 2, 2026.
The City of Evanston Heath and Human Services confirmed both people diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease reported being in the pool and hot tub areas in August 2026.
Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria (the germ responsible for Legionnaires’ disease) in the water system associated with the hotel’s hot tub.
Water samples from other areas of the hotel did not contain the deadly bacteria.
Evanston Hilton Garden Inn proactively closed the pool and hot tub area once they were notified of the connection between sick people and their facility. The spa will remain closed until a full remediation process is complete. The hotel has indicated that they have notified guests of their exposure risk.
The hotel has received guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health on proper remediation of the affected areas and is working with Evanston Hilton Garden Inn management on the situation.
Illinois Department of Public Health is helping by providing education, protocols, and specific measure to mitigate the situation.
Additional water samples have been collected. The results should be available in the next week.
Fortunately, Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious. It cannot be transmitted from person to person. However, Evanston Health and Human Services says that those who may have been exposed to harmful Legionella bacteria should monitor themselves for Legionnaires’ disease symptoms.
“HHS is advising anyone who visited the Hilton Garden Inn at 1818 Maple Ave in Evanston within the last two weeks and is experiencing symptoms of pneumonia, such as cough, shortness of breath, fever, and fatigue, to consult with their medical provider for further guidance.”
While not everyone exposed to Legionella bacteria will become sick, 1 in 20 people will fall ill. Rates of illness are still high. And so is mortality rate. An unfortunate 1 in 10 will die from their infection.
This rises to one in four if the infection is acquired in a health care setting.
People with certain risk factors are also more likely to become sick or experience more serious illness.
Certain groups of people are at higher risk of severe illnesses. While most normally healthy people exposed to Legionella do not become ill, the following people are more likely to become sick if exposed, and experience more severe illness if infected:
Legionnaires’ disease is caused by inhaling microscopic Legionella bacteria suspended in aerosolized water droplets. Essentially water mist. Inhaling this mist can move these waterborne bacteria into your lungs where they can cause infection.
Certain human-made water systems are better suited for growing and spreading harmful Legionella bacteria. But anything that generates a mist or spray can spread bacteria. Fixtures like hot tubs, decorative fountains and water features, and even shower heads and sink faucets. These germs love warm water. So things like hot tubs, hot water tanks and heaters, and cooling towers (like those used in large building’s air-cooling systems or industrial processes). Large, complex plumbing systems, especially those under construction or with dead legs are especially vulnerable to Legionella growth.
If you become sick with pneumonia or flu-like symptoms after visiting Evanston Hilton Garden Inn, you may have Legionnaires’ disease. There are a few things you should consider to help yourself recover.
Legionnaires’ disease is deadly. Prompt treatment significantly improves possible outcomes. If you have become sick with pneumonia-like illness, seek medical attention immediately.
Do not wait!
Request a diagnostic test for Legionnaires’ disease. If your healthcare provider does not suggest one, notify them of the potential exposure risk. If you test positive for this illness, your local health department will be notified following your diagnosis.
If you have become sick from staying at the Evanston Hilton Garden Inn, you may have questions. An experienced Legionnaires’ disease lawyer understands your situation and can assist you through the complicated legal process.
If you or a family member has stayed at the Evanston Hilton Garden Inn and have been impacted by this Legionnaires’ disease outbreak, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a Legionnaires’ disease lawyer that can help.
Most factors causing Legionnaires’ disease exposure are preventable with basic and required maintenance. Lapses in these safety protocols result in serious, sometimes deadly infections.
Call (833) 330-3663 or send an email for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Don’t wait! Call today!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)