City Issues Public Notice Regarding Legionnaires’ Disease Cases Associated with Hilton Garden Inn

UPDATE: Friday, September 18, 2026

In response to two confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease linked to the Hilton Garden Inn North Shore/Evanston in Evanston, Illinois, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) conducted water sampling and an environmental investigation of the hotel on September 8, 2026. Both confirmed cases reported being in the pool and hot tub areas in August 2026, and those areas have been closed since September 2, 2026.

Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria in the water system associated with the hot tub. The hotel has received guidance from IDPH on proper remediation of the affected areas. The spa will remain closed until the full remediation process is completed. Water samples from other areas of the hotel did not detect Legionella.

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious lung infection (pneumonia) that people can get within 2 weeks of inhaling small droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria. It is not transmitted person-to-person. Outbreaks are most commonly associated with buildings or structures that have complex water systems, like hotels, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and cruise ships. The bacterium can become a health concern when it grows and spreads in human-made water systems, like hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks, large plumbing systems, and decorative fountains.

Most healthy people do not develop Legionnaires’ disease after exposure to Legionella bacteria. People at increased risk of Legionnaires’ disease are those 50 years of age or older, or those who have certain risk factors, such as being a current or former smoker, having a chronic disease, or having a weakened immune system.

Additional information about Legionnaires' disease can be found on the CDC's website. 

ORIGINAL STATEMENT: Released on Friday, September 11, 2026

The City of Evanston’s Health and Human Services (HHS) has been made aware of two cases of Legionnaires’ disease in individuals who are linked to the Hilton Garden Inn North Shore/Evanston. This disease is caused by Legionella bacteria, which can lead to pneumonia. People can get Legionnaires’ disease by inhaling small droplets of water containing Legionella bacteria. The water droplets generally originate from showerheads, sink faucets, cooling towers, hot tubs, or pools in complex building water systems. 

Legionnaires’ disease is not contagious and cannot be transmitted from person to person. 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.  

The Hilton Garden Inn has notified guests. 

For more information, please visit the CDC’s website. 

Laboratory Tests

HHS has been working with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Hilton Garden Inn management on this matter, providing education, protocols, and measures to rectify the situation.  The Hilton Garden Inn has been cooperating with the IDPH. Water samples for Legionella testing were collected, and results will be available next week. The pool and hot tub area remains closed while testing is underway.

Next Steps

• Hilton Garden Inn staff will continue working with IDPH and HHS to rectify this matter.
• Once lab results are available, an update will be provided.

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.