Legionnaires’ disease on two cruise ships

A recent study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified the source of an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease on two separate cruise vessels (the identities of which have not been disclosed) resulting in the hospitalization of ten individuals. According to the New York Post, eight passengers contracted legionnaires’ disease on one ship, and four on another. It was determined that the source of the contamination was hot tubs, particularly those situated within private accommodations in luxury cabins. The water temperature in these tubs remained within the ideal range for the proliferation of Legionella bacteria for extended periods, due to the lack of draining and the absence of disinfectant. Indeed, the study noted that private hot tubs are not subjected to the same degree of cleaning and rigorous maintenance as public pools. After the outbreak, the cruise vessels shut down all hot tubs and cleaned them thoroughly, adopting later further measures to prevent new infections.