3 more at McHenry hotel diagnosed with Legionnaires'

Three more people have been diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease after staying at a McHenry Hampton Inn, officials said Friday.

Last week, two people were reported to have contracted the bacterial disease at the hotel.

McHenry County Health Department officials said they believe the individuals contracted the bacterial disease by using the hotel's hot tub sometime between May 9 and June 4.

The Illinois Department of Public Health, which licenses and inspects the hotel's facilities, confirmed that water samples were taken from the hotel swimming pool and hot tub last Friday. Both facilities remain closed.

Legionnaires' disease is caused by a type of bacteria commonly found in the environment.

People can get Legionnaires' by breathing in a mist or vapor that has been contaminated with the bacteria.

Symptoms are similar to pneumonia, typically begin two to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, chills, cough, muscle aches and headaches. Legionnaires' disease can be serious and can cause death in up to 30 percent of cases, McHenry health officials said.

Health department officials have not yet determined how many people stayed at the hotel and used the hot tub from May 9 to June 4.

Those with concerns are urged to call the McHenry County Health Department's hotline at (815) 334-2800 or to visit www.mcdh.info.