What follows is a statement from Marriott International regarding an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease at the JW Marriott Chicago, which was cited in the 29 August edition of "5 things to know."
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has informed the JW Marriott Chicago that a number of previous customers of the hotel have been diagnosed with a type of a pneumonia referred to as Legionnaires’ disease. The hotel promptly responded with an investigation in cooperation with the CDPH. On the advice of the CDPH and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the hotel closed a portion of the spa and drained and closed the fountain, hot tub and pool.
The CDPH, the IDPH and the national Center for Disease Control and Prevention have stated that there is no current health risk to guests or employees at the hotel.
This disease is contracted by breathing in a warm mist or vapor contaminated with the Legionella bacteria. It is not spread from one person to another.
As advised by the CDPH, we are notifying employees and guests who stayed at the hotel from July 16, 2012 through August 15, 2012. Should they experience any flu-like symptoms, we are advising they promptly seek medical attention.
If you have questions or believe you may have been exposed, please call the Chicago Department of Public Health special hotline at +1 312-746-4835 from Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT.
For hotel-related questions, please call the Marriott Assistance Line at 866-211-4610. If calling from outside the U.S. or Canada, please call +1 402-390-3265.
We thank our guests for their loyalty and understanding, and salute the CDPH and our employees at the JW Marriott Chicago for their quick action.