Update
While growth of Legionella bacteria was observed, all necessary control measures have been put in place, and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) determined that the YWCA can reopen for all services and programing starting today, October 17, 2024.
Evanston Health and Human Services continues to work very closely with the YWCA and the Illinois Department of Public Health to respond to this situation. For additional information on the response, please see the YWCA's mitigation page. For more information about Legionnaires' disease, please see the CDC's page.
Two Cases of Legionnaires Disease Have Been Confirmed
The Evanston Health and Human Services Department identified two persons associated with YWCA who have recently been diagnosed with Legionnaires Disease. As a result of the association, testing water samples from the facility was recommended and completed.
This disease is caused by Legionella bacteria, which can lead to pneumonia. Legionnaires disease generally spreads from human-made building water systems, such as shower heads, sink faucets, cooling towers, hot tubs, and hot water tanks.
Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person. The bacteria are transmitted by inhaling small water droplets of contaminated water. Most people exposed to Legionella don't get sick, but those who are current or former smokers, older than 50, or have underlying health conditions are at higher risk of disease if exposed to the bacteria.
If a person develops symptoms of pneumonia within two weeks of visiting the YWCA at 1215 Church Ave in Evanston, they should seek medical attention right away. A medical provider can evaluate you for pneumonia. If you are diagnosed with pneumonia, it is recommended that you be tested for Legionella because of the potential exposure at the YWCA.
Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease typically include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and headache. Additional symptoms may be present, such as confusion, chills, nausea, or diarrhea. Chest X-rays often show pneumonia, and people are often very sick. Asymptomatic people who have been at the YWCA should not be tested but should monitor themselves for symptoms for 14 days after their last day at the YWCA.
For more information, please visit the CDC’s website.
Laboratory Tests
Legionella was found in some water systems at YWCA, which were confirmed through laboratory tests. HHS has been working with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the YWCA Administrators regarding this matter by providing education, protocols, and measures to rectify this situation. YWCA has been cooperating with the IDPH.
Emergency Water Shut-Off
On Thursday, October 10, there was an emergency water shut-off at YWCA to ensure staff and patrons can safely return soon. There is no expected time when the water will be turned on. The YWCA Administrators are taking precautionary steps, and such will impact a number of their programs and services.
The following steps have been taken my YWCA Administrators:
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Water bottles will be available throughout the building for drinking and handwashing, including hand sanitizer and wipes, provided while water is shut off.
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Shelter residents and current program participants of Aquatics, 40-Hour Training, Emergency Savings Workshop, and YW Culinary have been made aware of the water impact. Hand sanitizer and water bottles are being provided. We want to ensure that everyone is comfortable and safe during this period.
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The pool and all Aquatics programs will be temporarily paused for the next couple of days until precautionary efforts confirm it is suitable to reopen.
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Staff who can work remotely will do so until the emergency closing concludes.
Next Steps
If you have any questions regarding Legionnaires Disease, contact HHS at (847) 448-4311 or email the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) at health@cityofevanston.org.
