Discovery Of Legionella Bacteria Prompts Closure Of YWCA Evanston/North Shore

EVANSTON, IL — YWCA Evanston/North Shore closed its facility at 1215 Church St. Thursday in response to the discovery of the Legionella bacteria in its hot water system.

The decision follows two confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease connected to its plumbing systems, according to a statement YWCA officials released Friday.

"Testing was performed by the Illinois Department of Public Health after we were recently made aware that two individuals who were associated with YWCA E/NS tested positive for Legionnaires' disease," officials said, pledging to follow all recommended steps to remediate the issue.

The bacteria that causes the disease, a type of pneumonia that spreads through contaminated water systems such as showers and sinks, was only found in facility's hot water system, which feeds sinks, showers and water fountains, according to the statement.

"Both of our pools tested negative for the bacteria," officials said. "Toilets, laundry washing and drying machines are safe to use as the toilets are only supplied by cold water and there were no detections associated with the cold-water system. In addition, washing and drying machines are enclosed therefore do not result in exposure to aerosols."

The facility has suspended all in-person programming and will offer virtual alternatives where possible, YWCA representatives said.

"We made the decision to close the building and pause programming in order to implement
recommended control measures and avoid prolonged inconvenience to our staff and patrons," they explained.

Officials from the nonprofit are working with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Evanston Health and Human Services Department to implement control measures and resolve the situation. The YWCA has also secured a water management consultant to oversee both the remediation efforts and long-term prevention protocols, according to the statement.

Legionnaires' disease is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person. However, individuals who recently visited the YWCA were advised to monitor for symptoms of the disease, which include cough, fever, muscle aches and shortness of breath.

Symptoms can take up to two weeks to develop following exposure. Those who exhibit symptoms are encouraged to seek medical attention.

Though Evanston has its own health department, no public announcement was made about the shutdown or the bacteria's discovery until inquiries from the media. City staff told the Chicago Sun-Times they had provided "education, protocols, and measures to rectify this situation."