A recent outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease has been linked to a hot tub on a US cruise ship, according to reports.
Private outdoor hot tubs on the balconies of two cruise ships were the source of multiple infections from November 2022 to June 2024, as described in a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last month. was identified as.
In its report, the CDC said, “Epidemiological, environmental, and laboratory studies suggest that private balcony hot tubs may have been the source of two outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease among cruise ship passengers.” “The evidence suggests that.”
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Waleed Javaid, M.D., an epidemiologist and director of infection prevention and control at Mount Sinai Downtown in New York City, says hot tubs are ideal for the growth of legionella bacteria because of their high temperatures.
A recent outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease has been linked to a hot tub on a US cruise ship, according to reports. (St. Petersburg)
“The foaming and aerosolization makes it easier for germs to be inhaled, which is the main way people get infected,” Jaaid, who was not involved in the CDC report, told Fox News Digital.
What you need to know about Legionnaires’ disease
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
Dr. Andrew Handel, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital in Long Island, New York, says the bacteria can grow anywhere water lingers for long periods of time.
Swallowing or inhaling water droplets containing Legionella bacteria can make you sick.
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According to the CDC, the disease does not usually spread from person to person, although in rare cases human infection is possible.
Handel warned that the infection can cause severe pneumonia in older people and people with weakened immune systems.
From November 2022 to June 2024, private outdoor hot tubs on the balconies of two cruise ships were identified as a source of multiple infections. (St. Petersburg)
“Legionella infections cause symptoms similar to other forms of pneumonia, including fever, cough, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and chest pain,” said Handel, who was not involved in the CDC report.
The CDC noted that some patients may experience nausea, diarrhea, and confusion.
A health care professional can diagnose the infection through laboratory tests and a chest x-ray.
To reduce the risk of bacterial growth and transmission, CDC recommends that cruise ship staff apply more stringent public hot tub maintenance and operating procedures when using private outdoor hot tubs. I am. (St. Petersburg)
This condition is usually treated with antibiotics. Severe infections may require hospitalization for breathing support and intravenous fluids.
Approximately 10% of people who contract Legionnaires’ disease will die from these complications, and the risk of death increases to 25% for those who contract Legionnaires’ disease while in a health care facility, according to the CDC.
According to the CDC, about 10% of people who contract Legionnaires’ disease will die from complications.
It’s important for people who suspect they’ve been exposed to Legionella to see a medical professional right away, as early intervention can increase the chances of a full recovery, says an infectious disease specialist. House told Fox News Digital.
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“If you have recently used a hot tub and are concerned about Legionnaires’ disease, be on the lookout for symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches. These symptoms can begin two days after exposure. It can appear within 14 days,” Javaid advised. .
“If you notice any of these signs, please act immediately, especially if you fall into a vulnerable category,” he added.
CDC findings
According to the CDC report, 12 cases of Legionnaires’ disease were reported among cruise ship passengers on two different ships.
Of the dozens of people who became ill, 10 were hospitalized. No deaths were reported.
The report did not identify the cruise line, only listing the names Cruise Ships A and B.
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The CDC determined that the private hot tub was operated in a manner that promoted the growth of Legionella bacteria.
Those conditions included running water for several days at temperatures ranging from 77 degrees Fahrenheit to 113 degrees Fahrenheit and “operating without draining or disinfectant residue,” according to the report.
The report also noted that individuals could have been exposed without using hot tubs that are located near outdoor areas where aerosols can be spread.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria that can grow anywhere water is present for an extended period of time. (St. Petersburg)
Private hot tubs on cruise ships are subject to “more stringent operational requirements than public hot tubs,” the agency noted.
Although Vessels A and B complied with current CDC requirements for the operation and maintenance of private hot tubs, these measures were not sufficient to prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria.
According to the CDC report, the cruise ship cooperated with the investigation and made efforts to reduce the spread of Legionella.
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To reduce the risk of bacterial growth and transmission, the CDC recommends that hot tub owners and operators follow safe operating and maintenance procedures to prevent exposure to Legionella bacteria.
“Furthermore, an automated disinfectant dosing system, rather than manually dispensing disinfectant, is an important design feature to prevent proliferation,” the CDC said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital. .
To enjoy hot springs safely
Experts shared steps people can take to minimize exposure to germs when using hot tubs.
“I would advise anyone who is concerned to stay informed, but there is no need to worry,” Javaid said.
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“We also encourage people to be mindful of hygiene standards for hot tubs in public spaces, especially for those at high risk.”
It’s natural for cruise passengers to have questions about how to maintain and disinfect their hot tubs, Javaid said, and it’s best to avoid hot tubs that “smell strangely or look like they haven’t been maintained.” That’s what it means.
“High-temperature, stagnant water can transmit numerous harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illness in high-risk individuals.”
“Certain populations need special attention, such as the elderly, smokers, people with chronic lung disease, and immunocompromised people,” the experts added, noting that these groups are particularly susceptible to Legionnaires’ disease. did.
Handel reiterated that hot tub owners should follow health guidance regarding sterile water and machine maintenance.
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“Properly maintained hot tubs are safe, but older adults and people with compromised immune systems may want to consult their health care provider before using them,” Handel cautioned.
“Hature, stagnant water can transmit numerous harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illness in high-risk individuals.”
Legionella infections can cause severe pneumonia in older people and people with weakened immune systems. (St. Petersburg)
The CDC provided the following general recommendations to Fox News Digital:
“Common ways to prevent Legionella and other waterborne bacteria in the home include not using faucets or showerheads, flushing water only after water pressure has dropped, and water-using equipment (such as humidifiers). This includes cleaning and maintenance of water heaters, nasal washers, shower heads and faucet aerators, water filters, etc.), and inspection and cleaning of water heaters.
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On a positive note, Handel said there have been some improvements in water treatment and monitoring, resulting in fewer Legionnaires’ infections.
There is currently no vaccine for Legionnaires’ disease.
“Legionella infections cause symptoms similar to other forms of pneumonia, including fever, cough, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and chest pain,” the experts said. (St. Petersburg)
Fox News Digital reached out to four popular cruise lines to discuss their hot tub maintenance procedures, but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
FOX News’ Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.
