Two confirmed cases of Legionnaires disease have been linked to the pool and hot tub at the Hilton Garden Inn North Shore/Evanston in Evanston, Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health on September 21, 2026.
The department conducted environmental testing after the cases were reported. Samples taken from the hotel’s swimming pool and adjacent hot tub returned positive for Legionella bacteria, the organism that causes Legionnaires disease.
Legionnaires disease is a form of pneumonia that can develop after inhaling aerosolized water contaminated with Legionella. The bacteria can proliferate in warm water systems such as pools, hot tubs, and cooling towers if not properly maintained.
Illinois health officials indicated that the identification of the bacteria in the hotel’s water sources prompted the linkage to the two confirmed cases. No additional cases have been reported in the area at this time.
Hotel management was notified of the findings and is cooperating with health officials. The department’s standard response includes advising the facility to suspend use of the affected water features until remediation measures are completed and subsequent testing confirms the absence of Legionella.
Residents and visitors in the Evanston area have been reminded that Legionnaires disease is not spread from person to person, and that risk is associated with exposure to contaminated water droplets. The health department continues to monitor the situation and will release further information if additional cases emerge.