The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has alerted the JW Marriott Chicago that three previous guests of the hotel have been diagnosed with a type of a pneumonia referred to as Legionnaires’ disease.

The hotel responded immediately with an investigation in cooperation with the CDPH.  On their advice, the hotel drained and closed the fountain, hot tub and pool.

Currently, CDPH believes there is no health risk to guests or employees staying 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 a public health service, we are notifying employees and guests who stayed at the hotel from July 16, 2012, through August 15, 2012, as advised by the CDPH.  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 312-746-4835 from Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT.

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.