Latest news with #Legionnaires'
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Royal Caribbean alerts cruisers about disease linked to hot tubs
These days, most people understand the general risk of illness that comes with bringing a large number of people together into a semi-enclosed space like a cruise ship. Many people don't realize though that cruise ship hot tub use can potentially increase their risk of becoming ill from a disease that isn't spread through person-to-person contact. Related: CDC says throw this food out after salmonella sickens cruisers Over the last couple of years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been working to educate cruise lines about the increased risk for Legionella bacteria growth in private-balcony hot tubs. When Legionella bacteria grows in hot tub water systems, it can be transmitted to hot tub users through inhaled water droplets. In some cases, cruise passengers exposed to the bacteria later become sick with Legionnaires' disease, a severe type of pneumonia. Although rare, Legionnaires' disease is a growing health concern for cruise passengers because private-balcony hot tubs have become a popular amenity on many newer cruise ships. Since private-balcony hot tubs aren't used as often as public ones, their maintenance requirements typically aren't as strict, which can create conditions favorable for Legionella bacteria growth. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Over the last few months, Royal Caribbean has been notifying passengers on multiple cruises about a recent case of Legionnaires' disease, according to an unofficial fan blog not affiliated with the cruise line. "The CDC has advised that while they are unsure where exposed, a guest who recently sailed on Symphony of the Seas was later diagnosed with Legionella," Royal Caribbean informed passengers. Royal Caribbean sent a similar notification to Symphony of the Seas' passengers in January after two other passengers fell ill with the disease after sailing on the ship in late 2024. Related: Here's when Royal Caribbean can cancel your cruise vacation Symphony of the Seas is not the only cruise ship to be associated with the disease, however. In October 2024, the CDC reported that it was notified of 12 cases of Legionnaires' disease among travelers sailing on two cruise ships from separate cruise lines between November 2022 and June 2024. Their investigation linked both cruise ship Legionnaires' disease outbreaks to private-balcony hot tubs. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. It's important for cruisers to know that private-balcony hot tubs are more likely to experience Legionella growth than public hot tubs found in common areas because they are not required to be disinfected as frequently as public ones. The CDC has been working to ensure that cruise lines understand the hot tub features that increase the risk for Legionella growth and transmission, and how cruise lines can adapt maintenance and operations protocols to reduce that risk. "Royal Caribbean is working hard to protect the health of guests and crew onboard Symphony of the Seas," the cruise line assured passengers in its recent Legionnaires' disease notification emails. The cruise line informed passengers that it stepped up its sanitation efforts as a precautionary measure and followed all CDC guidance. Related: Princess Cruises ship gets banned from entering Caribbean port Although most healthy people who are exposed to Legionella do not get sick, some people are at an increased risk including current and former smokers, adults over 50, and people with specific health issues or conditions. Legionnaires' disease symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches. "If you experience these symptoms and have concerns, please reach out to your preferred medical professional," the cruise line urged. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
2 separate Legionnaires' disease investigations at 2 different Las Vegas properties
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Southern Nevada Health District is investigating two separate cases of Legionnaires' disease at two Las Vegas properties and is attempting to locate any other guests who became ill. One case involves the South Point Hotel located on South Las Vegas and Silverado Ranch boulevards, where two cases of 'travel-associated' Legionnaires' disease are reported. According to the health district, one person stayed at the property in August 2024 and another person stayed there in February 2025. Both have since recovered. Water samples taken at the hotel tested positive for the bacteria that causes the disease, the district stated in a news release. Any guests who stayed at South Point on or after April 16, 2025, and developed or are experiencing symptoms within 14 days of their stay are urged to complete a confidential illness survey that can be found at this link. Symptoms typically begin 10 days after exposure and can include a cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches for up to two weeks. People who stayed at the South Point before May 7, 2025, and are not experiencing symptoms are not considered at risk for the infection, the district stated in a news release. The South Point is doing water system remediation efforts and conducting follow-up testing to ensure the water is safe, the district stated in a news release. The second property is The Grandview at Las Vegas, which is located next to the South Point. The health district is investigating three cases of Legionnaires' disease in people, not from Nevada, who stayed at that property. One person stayed there in February 2025, and the two others were there in April 2025. The bacteria that cause the disease were also found in water samples from the Grandview, and remediation efforts are taking place. Any guest who stayed at the Grandview on or after March 27, 2025, who became sick or is still experiencing symptoms, is asked to complete the survey at this link. People who are at increased risk of getting sick include: People 50 years or older Current or former smokers People with chronic lung disease People with weakened immune systems People who take drugs that can weaken their immune system (after a transplant operation or chemotherapy) People with underlying illnesses as diabetes, kidney failure, or liver failure Anyone with additional questions can contact the district's Helpline at (702) 759-4636 (INFO). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
EPA lifts emergency order on Flint water, returning city to normal lead testing standards
The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Monday, May 19, that a nearly decade-old emergency order on the city of Flint's drinking water standards had been lifted. After the EPA took over water sampling responsibility in Flint in 2016 after the onset of the water crisis, the agency says the city has reached compliance with federal requirements for lead-level standards. In a statement, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin called the lifting of the emergency order a major milestone for the city and federal partners. The federal government "will remain a partner to provide technical assistance to the city and state as efforts continue to maintain and upgrade water infrastructure systems,' Zeldin said in a statement. "Lifting this emergency order is a cause for great celebration for residents of Flint who worked so hard and sacrifice so much to get to this point," said Zeldin. "Even though the emergency order is lifted, all levels of government must continue to stay in contact and work closely to be a continued resource for the Flint community and ensure their water remains pristine." The Flint water crisis began in 2014, when the city, while under emergency management from the state, switched water sources from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department to the Flint River as a cost-cutting measure. State officials overseeing the switch failed to ensure corrosion-control measures were taken for the more acidic river water. Lead, a neurotoxin particularly dangerous to children, leached from aged service lines into the city's water supply as a result. As the city struggled with water quality, it also saw an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease, leading to the deaths of at least 12 people and sickening dozens more. More: Left feeling abandoned, Flint residents still worry about health effects of water crisis Today, the EPA states 97% of lead service lines have been replaced, although last year a federal judge held the city of Flint in contempt over taking too long to replace some remaining lead pipes. With the emergency order being lifted, Flint's drinking water safety will have to comply with regular Safe Drinking Water Act standards, which are overseen by the state. The Michigan Department of Energy, Great Lakes and Environment (EGLE) said in August the city's drinking water tests have returned lead and copper levels considered compliant with normal federal standards for 17 consecutive monitoring periods. The EPA emergency standards were stricter than regular standards. 'The lifting of the EPA's emergency order is a powerful testament to the strength, and advocacy of Flint residents,' Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said in a statement provided by the EPA. 'For nearly a decade, we have worked tirelessly to restore trust and integrity to our water system, as well as meeting rigorous standards." More: 'It's just devastating': Flint reels as water crisis prosecution comes to an end While there were criminal indictments of former state officials, including former Gov. Rick Snyder, over their handling of the water crisis, those cases were tossed last year after the Michigan Supreme Court ruled state prosecutors incorrectly used a one-man grand jury to indict the officials. Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Flint water crisis: EPA lifts emergency order on lead testing levels
New York Post
09-05-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Don't splash out for this coveted cruise ship extra — it's a breeding ground for disease, experts warn
Cruising toward disaster? Cruise ship passengers splash out big bucks for private hot tubs in their own staterooms all the time — but the Center for Disease Control is warning against the exclusive amenity, calling them a bubbling breeding ground for Legionnaires' disease. In a damning statement reported on by Travel + Leisure, the CDC linked 12 cases of the severe pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria to private hot tubs on two cruise ships between November 2022 and June 2024. 3 In a scathing October 2024 report, the CDC connected 12 cases of Legionnaires' disease to private hot tubs on two cruise ships from November 2022 to June 2024. Photographer: Losevsky Pavel Ten passengers were hospitalized in those incidents. '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 shocking report notes. 'These devices are subject to less stringent operating requirements than are public hot tubs, and operating protocols were insufficient to prevent Legionella growth.' Unlike public hot tubs, private hot tubs weren't required to meet certain rigorous cleaning standards, according to insiders. Hot tubs can be a source of Legionella growth and transmission when they are inadequately maintained and operated, a CDC spokesperson told T+L. 3 Private hot tubs weren't held to the same strict cleaning rules as public ones — until now. Hot tubs can be a source of Legionella when inadequately maintained, a CDC spokesperson told Travel + Leisure. serg3d 'It is important for cruise ship operators to inventory hot tub–style devices across their fleets, evaluate the design features that increase the risk for Legionella growth and transmission, and test for Legionella,' they told the outlet. For cruise-goers, the CDC advises testing the cleanliness of the hot tub before use. 'Travelers can use test strips to test hot tub water to find out if the hot tub is being properly operated,' the CDC spokesperson added. 3 Norovirus — the cruise ship scourge — is also back with a vengeance. The new GII.17 strain has driven nearly 80% of 2,400 U.S. cases since last summer, per the CDC. u4219699853 Meanwhile, Legionnaires isn't the only unwelcome guest on deck. Norovirus — a notorious cruise ship nemesis — is also making waves. This year, a new strain called GII.17 has fueled a surge in outbreaks, accounting for nearly 80% of the 2,400 reported norovirus cases in the U.S. since last summer, according to the CDC. 'It's new to the population,' Lee-Ann Jaykus, a food microbiologist and virologist at North Carolina State University, recently told the Associated Press. Most people don't have immunity to the germ, so it can spread more widely, she explained. And it spreads fast. People infected with norovirus typically shed 'literally billions of viral particles,' Donald Schaffner, a food safety expert at Rutgers University, said, per the AP. 'And it only takes a few viral particles to make someone sick,' he informed the news agency company. If you see someone vomiting, Schaffner suggests, 'immediately walk away from them, ideally into the wind.' Adding insult to injury, the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program — the watchdog that inspects cruise ships and investigates outbreaks — recently lost key staffers due to federal budget cuts. 'If you want to have no disease outbreaks, all you have to do is fire all the epidemiologists,' Schaffner quipped. 'And there'll be no one there to investigate.' So, next time you book a cruise, consider skipping the hot tub — or at least bring your own test strips and plenty of soap.
Wales Online
08-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Man came back from holiday with 'flu' and spent four months in hospital
Man came back from holiday with 'flu' and spent four months in hospital Steven Percy was left fighting for his life and after recovery was unable to swallow for months Steven Percy in hospital A British holidaymaker was left fighting for his life for four months after becoming ill at a four-star resort - just hours after proposing to his girlfriend. Steven Percy, 67, was staying at the Palmon Bay Hotel and Spa in Montenegro when he suddenly started suffering from a fever - just hours after proposing to his partner Karen, 53. But after flying back to his home in York, North Yorks., his health continued to decline and he became confused, so he was rushed to York Hospital three days later. He was diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease - a serious bacterial infection that you can get from inhaling droplets of water from things like air conditioning or hot tubs - and was placed in an induced coma. Steven then developed multiple organ failure and sepsis - a life-threatening condition where the body attacks itself in response to an infection. He spent four months in hospital, a further fortnight in a neuro rehabilitation centre and needed to be fed by a tube for a further two months because of issues with swallowing. Steven says that although he is "lucky to be alive", he will always remember the holiday, which cost over £1,800, for the "wrong reasons." He said: "This holiday was meant to be a moment we'd remember all of our lives, however, we'll remember it now for all the wrong reasons. "I know I'm lucky to be alive but that's little consolation for what Karen and I have been going through." Steven says that he initially thought he had the flu, but he stared to "realise it was something much more serious" as his symptoms became worse. He also had concerns about the hotel when he arrived and said the spa facilities were clearly poorly maintained, with tiles falling from the jacuzzi. Article continues below Steven Percy with partner Karen before his illness in Montenegro The swimming pool was also closed throughout their stay. Steven said: "Initially I thought it was flu, but as the symptoms became worse, we started to realise it was something much more serious. "I don't remember much about my time in hospital, but it's terrible to imagine what Karen and our families went through, as doctors told them I was critically ill, and it was unclear if I would survive." Steven was admitted to hospital on April 16 last year and came out 99 days later on July 24, but he was transferred to a rehab centre for another two weeks and required a feeding tube. He has been unable to return to work as a funeral director and is undergoing tests to determine whether his lungs suffered lasting damage. Steven has now instructed specialist international serious injury lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and to see whether it was linked to his holiday. He said: "I went on that holiday as the happiest man alive, but my life now is totally different. My recovery continues to be a difficult journey, but I'm determined not to give up and I want back the job, and the life, I had before. 'My lethargy and weakness are hard to cope with, as is the memory loss, and there's so much concern about whether my lungs are permanently damaged. We can't change what happened, but we deserve some answers over how I came to be so ill.' Jennifer Hodgson, the expert international serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said: 'Steven's account of his holiday and the aftermath of being diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease is extremely worrying. We've delt with many cases of people developing the disease, both in the UK and overseas. "Legionnaires' is a very serious condition that shouldn't be underestimated. As in Steven's case, it can lead to other complications. For those who survive, they can face a lifetime of health issues. Understandably, Steven has a number of questions as to how he came to fall so dangerously ill, on what was meant to be a special holiday to propose to his partner, Karen. "We're determined to help him find the answers he is looking for. As part of our work and to assist with our investigations, we would be keen to hear from anyone else who may also have been affected by illness whilst staying at the Palmon Bay Hotel and Spa, Montenegro.' Article continues below Jet2Holidays and the Palmon Bay Hotel and Spa have been contacted for a comment.
