US health officials have sounded a warning about private cruise ship hot tubs. Hot tubs have been linked to multiple cases of Legionnaires’ disease, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said.
From November 2022 to April 2024, health inspectors recorded eight cases of Legionnaires’ disease on the same cruise ship. This was only identified as “cruise ship A.”
Four more cases of Legionnaires’ disease were reported on a second cruise ship – “cruise ship B,” between January and June 2024.
For reference, the names of the ships were redacted from the report.
Several Cases of Legionnaires’ Disease Linked
The CDC investigation found that hot tubs were the likely source of the infections. It specifically mentions private hot tubs on stateroom balconies.
“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 stated in its report.
“These are subject to less stringent requirements than public hot tubs, and operating protocols were insufficient to prevent Legionella growth.”
The agency said 10 of the 12 people who contracted Legionnaires’ disease were taken to hospital but fortunately all of them survived.
Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease is named after a convention of the American Legion held in Philadelphia which 34 people died and 221 were hospitalized.
Legionella bacteria can thrive in hot tubs’ warm temperatures. The fine water mists emitted by hot tubs can be breathed in by users, although they are not passed from person to person.
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Symptoms include cough, fever, and muscle ache. It can trigger further medical issues for people with compromised immune systems, the elderly and those with existing respiratory conditions.
Legionella can cause a serious lung infection, Primrose Freestone, senior lecturer in clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester, told Newsweek. She said up to 10% of those infected die.
One guest at a New Hampshire resort died and another was hospitalized earlier this year after they were thought to have contracted Legionnaires disease from a hot tub.
Earlier this month the CDC reported that a Royal Caribbean ship had a Salmonella outbreak.
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Are Cruise Ship Hot Tubs Safe?
Health officials warn that hot tubs, especially those with less stringent maintenance protocols, can be a breeding ground for Legionella bacteria. This bacteria thrives in warm water and can lead to serious lung infections when inhaled. This risk is higher for older adults and those with weakened immune systems, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance and awareness when using hot tubs on any trip.
