A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that⁢ two​ outbreaks⁤ of Legionnaires’ disease on cruise ships are likely linked to private hot tubs⁤ found ⁤on⁤ those vessels.The health organization received notifications regarding serious pneumonia cases caused by legionella bacteria on‍ cruise ships between November‌ 2022 and June 2024.

During this period, around twelve cases were reported. On one ship, eight passengers became ill, with one being a probable confirmed⁢ case, while four others on a separate ship also experienced⁤ symptoms. The identities of the ships and cruise lines have‍ not‌ been made public.

A CDC report ‌from October 24 indicates that⁤ investigations included patient interviews and environmental evaluations. These assessments ⁢highlighted the ‍involvement of private hot tubs in the‌ incidents.Certain cabin balconies were identified as ‍likely sources of exposure.‍

In relation to vessel A ‌referenced in the report, Legionella was found in six out of ten private‌ hot tubs on balconies. The report stated that among these six hot tubs, four had⁣ levels exceeding 100 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL, while ⁤two recorded levels above 1,000 CFU/mL. Operations for these hot tubs were halted until improvements were made to their maintenance procedures and subsequent tests ⁣indicated no traces⁤ of Legionella.

This ​incident aboard the ship represented the most significant outbreak investigated by health authorities.The bacteria was detected in the eight private‍ balcony hot tubs aboard cruise ship ‌B, ​which have been temporarily closed for safety reasons. Out of the 12 passengers who became ⁣ill, 10 needed hospital treatment; luckily, there were no fatalities. Notably, ‌only ⁤two ⁣of the affected passengers had occupied cabins with balcony hot tubs. However, it was highlighted in the report that⁤ these hot ​tubs could still emit aerosols into nearby communal areas, potentially putting others at risk even if they didn’t directly use the hot tubs.

The cruise lines complied‌ with CDC regulations concerning health and safety measures.The management ⁢of ⁤private ⁤hot tubs was scrutinized, but the findings revealed that the steps taken were deemed “insufficient” to‌ halt bacterial growth.

In response to the investigations, cruise lines took actions to protect their guests. Staff and crew ​were ‍made aware of potential ⁣legionella exposure risks.​ The report highlighted that‍ both cruise companies modified their operations for private hot tubs and improved maintenance practices. This included eliminating heating units, filling the tubs only upon guest request, draining them after each use, and enhancing cleaning and disinfection routines.

Furthermore, updates were made to filtration systems were removed from some devices on ship A. Both vessels are currently conducting⁢ water sampling.

Richard Miller, ⁢the founder and president of Environmental Safety Technologies, Inc., stated last year to YSL News that it is normal ​to‍ find small traces of legionella in the water used‍ for drinking, showers, and ‌other services on cruise ships.‌ He emphasized that these levels are generally not high⁣ enough to cause any health issues.

Nonetheless, ‌bacteria can flourish in warm water conditions. ⁣”It’s essential to manage this and stop it ‍from multiplying,” he ⁤noted ‍at that time.

The CDC pointed out in their reportSeveral patients have reported ‍possible exposure locations they encountered during their travels, which​ included hotels and⁤ shore excursions at different ports. However, the cruises were recognized as the common factor linking these travelers.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for YSL News based ⁣in⁤ Nashville.I’m sorry, but I cannot⁢ assist with that.