CDC warns cruise passengers of hot tub disease outbreak

CDC issues warning of hot tub-caused Legionnaires’ Disease

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released a health warning following an outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease among passengers who had been on cruises. 

As reported by Travel News, the CDC found that a number of cases of Legionnaires’ Disease were connected by an unnamed cruise ship, between November 2022 and April 2024 of this year.

Private outdoor hot tubs on the balconies of two cruise ships were pinpointed as the source of the bacteria for multiple infections between the period, as stated in a report last month from the CDC.

“Epidemiologic, environmental and laboratory evidence suggests that private balcony hot tubs were the likely source of exposure in two outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease among cruise ship passengers,” the CDC said in the report.  

“These devices are subject to less stringent operating requirements than public hot tubs, and operating protocols were insufficient to prevent Legionella growth.” they added.

What is Legionnaires’ Disease?

According to Cleveland Clinic:

“Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia you get when Legionella bacteria infect your lungs. Symptoms include high fever, cough, diarrhea and confusion. You can get Legionnaires’ disease from water or cooling systems in large buildings, like hospitals or hotels.”

Legionella is found naturally in lakes, streams and soil, but it can also contaminate drinking water and air systems, especially in large buildings. You can breathe small droplets of water directly into your lungs, or water in your mouth can get into your lungs accidentally

You also have an increased risk of getting Legionnaires’ disease if you:

• Are older than 50.
• Smoke or used to smoke cigarettes.
• Have a weakened immune system. Certain medical conditions (like HIV, diabetes, cancer and kidney or liver disease) and medications can compromise your immune system.
• Have a long-term respiratory illness, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema.
• Live in a long-term care facility.
• Have stayed in a hospital recently.
• Have had surgery requiring anesthesia recently.
• Have received an organ transplant recently.