Evanston YWCA closes to the public after cases of Legionnaires' disease connected to water system

The YWCA Evanston/North Shore has temporarily closed to the public after two cases of Legionnaires' disease were linked to the center.

Doors to the YWCA, 1215 Church Ave., were locked Friday afternoon and a sign informed people that all aquatics programming was canceled. An employee confirmed the building was closed to the public.

The YWCA late Friday afternoon confirmed the building was closed to the public beginning Thursday "after learning Legionella bacteria was detected in our hot water supply."

"This decision underscores our ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of our community and our priorities are focused on the safety of those we serve as well as the public," the YWCA said.

Legionnaires' disease is a serious type of pneumonia.

"HHS has been working with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the YWCA administrators regarding this matter by providing education, protocols, and measures to rectify this situation," the Evanston Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement.

The YWCA will offer water bottles and hand sanitizer for drinking and washing hands until water service is restored, the health department said. The pool and aquatics programs are suspended until further notice.

Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include headaches, cough, fever, muscle aches and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease spreads through water systems like shower heads, sink faucets and hot tubs. It isn't contagious from person to person. Legionnaires' disease can be treated with antibiotics.

Anyone who has been to the Evanston YWCA and suspects they were exposed should consult their doctor.